Keystone Species Workshop - Session 1

It's What You Can't See: Keystoneness, Plankton, and Filter Feeders in the James River and Chesapeake Bay 

February 21, 2013

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Keystone Species Workshop Series

A Workshop Series for Environmental Educators

The Chesapeake Bay is known for an abundance of fish and shellfish that have made the Bay their home throughout history.  Today, environmental and other pressures placed upon Bay species, their populations, and the health of those populations may be changing the complex trophic interactions within the Bay system.  These pressures are coming from not only harvest, but changes in land use, expanding human populations, invasive species, disease, and more.

The scientific community is constantly trying to better understand these important species and the way they interact with each other, and the broader environment. This 2-part workshop series (Session 2 is scheduled for March 21st.) will bring together scientists and educators to learn about and discuss the history, current understanding, and future outlook for important (keystone) plants and animals within the Chesapeake Bay.

Session 1 Highlights:

• Keystoneness: what is a keystone species, why are they important, how is keystoneness determined, and what drives changes in keystone species and communities?

• Plankton: What is plankton, how do we study it, and how are Bay plankton populations changing in response to environmental pressures?

• Filter Feeders: Oysters, Clams and Menhaden are key species in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  How have their populations changed? How are these populations managed? What ecological roles do they play in the Bay and its tributaries?

Workshop Goals

• Participants will develop an understanding of fisheries sciences in the Chesapeake Bay region;
• Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of organisms within the Chesapeake Bay;
• Provide participants with access to, and knowledge of tools for exploring fisheries related issues;
• Provide participants with access to, and knowledge of quality existing curricula about fisheries topics;
• Cultivate hands – on/field-based activities for illustrating (conducting) fisheries science in the Chesapeake; and
• Provide the opportunity for educators and scientists to interact on topics related to fisheries science and education.

Workshop Format

The workshops will take place at Virginia Commonweath Univeristy's, Rice Center near Richmond, VA, and is a partnership between VCU, the VA Department of Environmental Quality, and NOAA's Evironmental Science Training Center.

The workshop will be about six hours long. If you are interested in participating, or have questions please contact Bart Merrick, Page Hutchison ,Anne Wright or Donna Stotts@noaa.gov

More information on the workshop series

Register Now!