Project:

Biodiversity of the Peconic River Estuary

Students:

Adam Burke, Brooke Morabito, Erica Sheludenko, David Vottler Votteler

School:

Eastport South Manor Jr Sr High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

Robert Bolen

Abstract:

Varying organisms were found and collected from Peconic River Forge Pond DEC Boat Ramp as a part of the “Day In The Life Of The Peconic River.” After observation of the species, we noticed that we had collected a leech. Because the leech is a biological indicator, the specimen is important to study as it can help us identify levels of certain water quality parameters in the river. In addition, possible barcoding evidence could lead us to believe that the specific leech we collected is an invasive species. Furthermore, we collected two specimens of dobsonfly larvae, or hellgrammite. These two specimens will help us identify if there are multiple species of dobsonfly larvae in the Peconic River. Other specimens we collected include multiple snails, damselfly larvae and algae. In conclusion, we will use these specimens to identify invasive species, test water quality parameters, barcode organisms that will be added to the species database and uncover information that has not yet been

Poster:

Team samples: