Project:

Analyzing the Effect of Climate Change on the Biodiversity of Cetaceans from Long Island using eDNA Analysis

Students:

Gisele Dubuche, Sylvia Sullivan

School:

Lynbrook Senior High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Kathleen McAuley

Abstract:

Our experiment is to collect DNA from various types of cetaceans to see what the effect of climate change has on the types of cetaceans around Long Island. Climate change has an extreme effect on oceanic habitats and aquatic animals, and it is important to study these effects as the oceans continue to warm. By using DNA barcoding techniques, we will be able to extract skin DNA from seawater to see what types of cetaceans are common around Long Island. We will also be looking for species that are not native to Long Island or are not commonly found in the Long Island area. We hope to find evidence that climate change is affecting cetaceans and their habitats which would allow us and others to be able to take action to protect cetaceans and other marine wildlife.

Team samples:

See all samples for project