Project:

Forge Pond, Peconic River Species Identification and Biodiversity

Students:

Erin Keppeler, Emmalynn Archer, Lily Doherty, Owen Melia

School:

Eastport South Manor Junior Senior High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

Rachel Neville

Abstract:

The Forge Pond, Peconic River is a vital habitat and breeding ground for many species of fish and organisms. However, Long Island’s nitrogen pollution is reaching critical levels, invasive species are driving out native organisms, and fish species are becoming overpopulated. For example, one invasive species known to be in this habitat is the Creeping Water Primrose. It is important that we measure and maintain biodiversity because it will help with the stability of the ecosystem. If biodiversity is maintained, the issues related to pollution and overpopulation can be managed. We can contribute to finding a solution by doing our experiment, where we collected samples of organisms utilizing nets and buckets at the Forge Pond Peconic River. After we got back to the classroom we separated the organisms into vials. We then gave them each 1 ml of ethanol. Afterwards, we placed them in a freezer to preserve their DNA. From this research, we expect to identify several species using DNA barc

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