The Maryland Sea Grant bookstore is closed from December 10 to January 3.

Tracy Jo Williams, Florida Southern College

Share:

Class Year:

2001

Mentor:

Roberta Marinelli, Ph.D.

Project Title:

The Effects of Population Densities and Behavior of Macoma balthica on Nutrient Exchange and Primary Production in Coastal Sediments

Abstract:

The soft bottom coastal sediments of the Chesapeake Bay are inhabited by several species of macroinvertebrates. The geochemistry of the sediment is affected by the activities of the fauna within the sediment. It is important to understand how organisms affect the habitat in which they live inorder to understand how other species will be affected. The feeding behavior of a tentilid clam, Macoma balthica, in varying population densities was studied in laboratory conditions. The effects on nutrient flux, pore water, and primary production were analyzed in relation to population density.

Location:

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

Publications:

Marinelli, R. L., and T. J. Williams*. 2003. Evidence for density-dependent effects of infauna on sediment biogeochemistry and benthic-pelagic coupling in nearshore systems . Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 57:179-192 .

The REU students are indicated with an asterisk (*).

The Blue Crab: Callinectes Sapidus

An essential resource for researchers, students, and managers.  Get your copy today!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter