Project:

Effects Stocked Trout have on Biodiversity

Students:

Adam Ayroso, Liam Byrne, Michael Stabile, Nicholas Stabile

School:

Plainedge Senior High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Linda Waldbaum

Abstract:

DNA barcoding is a process of identifying species of organisms in an ecosystem. This process enables people to categorize the biodiversity of species in any ecosystem. It is used to find and show how specific variables can affect the biodiversity of a species in that region. Examples include the effects of invasive species, pollution, and construction. In this experiment, our purpose is to find the effects that the stocking of trout has on the biodiversity of aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, in the Massapequa Reservoir where trout are stocked during the spring and fall, we will collect multiple aquatic invertebrate species in that area and compare it to a nearby region that is not stocked. Our aim is to see if there is a difference between the two regions and if there are any new or different species. We hypothesize that the stocking of nonnative trout in the Massapequa Reservoir will have a negative impact on biodiversity.

Poster:

Team samples: