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Press Releases | |
July 11, 2000
Landmark Long Island Sound Study Looks for Dangerous MetalsFunded by the EPA, It Hopes to Preserve Water Quality, Marine Life
Contact:
Darren Johnson
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081Southampton, NY - Southampton College researcher Chris Gobler and his associates departed yesterday to begin an extensive study of Long Island Sound to monitor its nutrients and trace metals - hopefully leading to the preservation of water quality and marine life.
Aboard the Southampton College Marine Science research vessel Paumanok, Dr. Gobler in collaboration with SUNY-Stony Brook researcher Dr. Sergio Saņudo-Wilhelmy will visit 50 stations in the Sound from the East River to Block Island this week. It is the first step in a two-year study funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. Also aiding the investigation is Nathan Buck, who received his undergraduate degree from Southampton College of Long Island University in 1999. Manning the research vessel is Capt. Don Getz.
This is the first study of its kind in the Sound. Toxic and other trace metals in the water column will be measured. Currently, these numbers are unknown. "This is very important, as many metals, such as copper, lead, zinc, nickel and silver can exhibit toxic effects on marine life," Gobler said.
Also studied will be nutrients that cause the overgrowth of phytoplankton. Such blooms can lead to hypoxia, or low oxygen conditions, suffocating bottom-dwelling marine animals. For example, researchers believe hypoxia may be one of the causes of recent lobster die-offs in the Sound. "By determining which nutrients cause phytoplankton to bloom in different areas of Long Island Sound, we will be able to make recommendations on the best approach for relieving the low oxygen conditions that can persist within the western portions of the Sound during the summer," Gobler added.
The crew will also navigate up Connecticut's major rivers and into the harbors along Long Island's north shore. The time is right now because the Sound is experiencing minimal river flow. The team will revisit next spring, when river flow is largest. Gobler is an Assistant Professor in Southampton College's internationally recognized Marine Science program.