Project:

Investigating the Restorative Effects of Saccharina Latissima on Degraded Marine Ecosystems.

Students:

Kayla Piazza, Brooke Nielsen

School:

Long Beach High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Richard Lebowitz

Abstract:

The loss of kelp would not only alter the structure of kelp forests with implications for higher-order consumers but would also alter the functioning of these ecosystems with a reduction in filter feeders, carnivores, and detritivore trophic groups likely to impact secondary productivity in these systems,” (Carbajal et al., 2021 p. 10). What are the restorative effects of Saccharina latissima on the biodiversity of degraded marine ecosystems? Our goal in completing this research is to determine if adding sugar kelp to an established ecosystem will have beneficial effects on its biodiversity. Our research is valuable because of the potential positive implications that kelp may provide in restoring degraded ecosystems as a result of humans or natural disasters. A refractometer, Lamont test kits, and several other instruments will be used to measure water salinity in addition to other parameters. Invertebrates will be collected from around the sugar kelp, the sediment underneath and aro

Poster:

Team samples: