Principal Investigator: Fatima Laraib, Ph.D. Student; Dr. Rebecca L North,
Institution and/or Affiliation: School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This proposal directly aligns with the long-term goals of PFCA through the development of an outdoor aquatic laboratory that advances science and engages undergraduate and graduate students in active learning. This proposal is an excellent fit for the mission of PFCA; specifically, to provide educational experiences related to fisheries, wildlife, and environmental conservation for all citizens, with particular emphasis on graduate research. It also informs the restoration and maintenance of natural aquatic communities and their processes and functions while developing techniques that promote both wise use and sustainability of our natural aquatic resources. Aquatic research at PFCA ensures the implementation of the above objectives and provides students with cross-disciplinary experiences in research and educational programs. The results of this project will also inform of the potential risk to school and public groups who collect water and bug samples from Crow Pond. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can cause closures of fisheries and recreation, and the presence of high cyanotoxin concentrations could be detrimental to human and animal health.