Grantee Research Project Results
Fecundity of American Shad, Alosa sapidissima, as an Indicator of Environmental Quality
EPA Grant Number: U915982Title: Fecundity of American Shad, Alosa sapidissima, as an Indicator of Environmental Quality
Investigators: Piper, Taconya D.
Institution: University of Maryland - Eastern Shore
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: January 1, 2001 through January 1, 2003
Project Amount: $48,418
RFA: Minority Academic Institutions (MAI) Fellowships for Graduate Environmental Study (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Environmental Science
Objective:
The objective of this research project is to study the fecundity of American shad, Alosa sapidissima, as an indicator of environmental quality. I will investigate the effects of contaminants and toxic chemicals on reproduction in aquatic organisms. I am especially concerned with the effects of pollution and toxic contamination on aquatic organisms and their habitats.
Approach:
I plan to select diverse courses ranging from ecology and environmental science, to marine ecotoxicology and general endocrinology. Obtaining knowledge in these and other areas of environmental science is the key to achieving my goals. From my course of study and research, I will be well informed about environmental processes and issues. When faced with specific projects and concerns in my career, I will be able lean back on what I have learned and use it as a guide. I was exposed to various environmental research areas, which helped to focus my interests. In the spring of 1999, I applied to and received a research internship with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division. My portion of the environmental study was to investigate the fecundity of Spotted Seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus. I was taught how to identify fish species such as spotted seatrout, black and red drum, spot, croaker, and menhaden. As a part of this internship, I was required to write a research proposal and conduct necessary fieldwork. Other requirements of the internship were to present the results of my research to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, and to write a research paper.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, American shad, Alosa sapidissima, fecundity, toxic chemicals, toxic contaminants, aquatic organisms, pollution.Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.