Some researchers suspect that seasonal oxygen deficiencies and rising water temperatures are causing fish in the Chesapeake Bay to move to suboptimal habitats. These habitats may be contributing to increased mortality rates and decreased population growth in fish species. Ben Marcek of Virginia Institute of Marine Science will use data on water temperature, oxygen concentration, fish population distributions, and more to study the effects of oxygen deficiencies and rising water temperatures on spot and Atlantic croaker in the Chesapeake Bay. Findings may inform a predictive model that will help resource managers better forecast fish responses to changing environmental conditions.
Fellow: Ben Marcek (Virginia Institute of Marine Science)
Advisors: Mary Fabrizio (VIMS), Richard Brill (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association), Robert Humston (Washington and Lee University)
Outreach Mentor: Joe Grist (Virginia Marine Resources Commission)
