Survey of Benthic Macroinvertebrates

  • Location
    Staten Island, New York
  • Status
    Active

The Problem

We wish to survey and compare the benthic macroinvertebrates in the permanent and vernal ponds at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, which is located on Staten Island in New York State. The purpose of this project is to use the information to determine the health of our water system, and to compare differences between permanent bodies of water and temporary bodies of water. This information will be used to educate school groups and the public about Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve and supplement the programs that the park offers. The data collected during this project will allow Clay Pit Ponds to offer programs about benthic macroinvertebrates in the future.

Our Plan

Our project will provide necessary data to enable Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve to offer programs revolving around benthic macroinvertebrates to school groups and the public. To begin, we will conduct water quality tests on each sampling location. We will sample benthic macroinvertebrates in three areas in each of our four permanent ponds at Clay Pit Ponds. We will then sample three areas in three vernal pools in the park. In each area sampled, we will sweep a 1ft by 3ft area with a D-net and collect specimens for identification. We will then record the different species and number of each species found in each sampling area. Then we will compare the species/number found in permanent ponds against the species/number found in vernal pools. This information will be vital to benthic macroinvertebrate programs in the future.

Themes Addressed

  • term icon
    Clean Water
  • term icon
    Wildlife

The Benefit

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