Project:

The Biodiversity of Insects in the Beach Wrack of Oyster Bay and the Long Island Sound Beaches

Students:

Bridget Coviello, Sofia Polauf, Emma Slonim

School:

Friends Academy, Nassau

Mentors:

Jennifer Newitt

Abstract:

Beach wrack, the seaweed and organic material that washes up along shorelines, provides a habitat for many insect species. These invertebrates play important roles in the ecosystem by helping to break down the wrack and serving as a food source for other animals. In this study, we will compare the insect communities found in beach wracks at two locations: Oyster Bay (Beekman Beach) and the Long Island Sound (Stehli Beach). We hypothesize that the types and numbers of invertebrates will vary between the sites due to differences in wave action, beach exposure, and wrack composition. To test this, we will collect wrack samples from both beaches, sort through them, and identify the invertebrates present. Our goal is to better understand how beach conditions affect insect biodiversity and to highlight the ecological importance of wrack in coastal environments.

Poster:

Team samples:

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