NSF LogoNSF Award Abstract - #0137419 AWSFL008-DS3

ADVANCE Fellows Award: Environmental Effects on Variations in Jellyfish
Population Size

NSF Org OCE
Latest Amendment Date June 8, 2004
Award Number 0137419
Award Instrument Standard Grant
Program Manager Elizabeth Rom
OCE DIVISION OF OCEAN SCIENCES
GEO DIRECTORATE FOR GEOSCIENCES
Start Date May 15, 2002
Expires April 30, 2005 (Estimated)
Expected Total Amount $419730 (Estimated)
Investigator Jennifer E. Purcell purcelj@cc.wwu.edu (Principal Investigator current)
Sponsor Western Washington Univ
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 982255996 360/650-3000
NSF Program 1690 EDUCATION/HUMAN RESOURCES,OCE
Field Application 0204000 Oceanography
Program Reference Code 0000,1681,OTHR,

Abstract

This award provides funding for the PI to establish a long term research program on the environmental effects (temperature, salinity, prey density) on the population dynamics of jellyfish (including scyphomedusae, hydromedusae, and ctenophores) in the waters of the Puget Sound basin. Jellyfish populations exhibit dramatic interannual fluctuations, and the reasons for this are largely unknown. The PI will conduct laboratory experiments to test the combined effects of temperature, salinity and prey density in combination with in situ sampling with a video system. The initial target species is Aurelia labiata, whose congeners are among the most abundant large jelly fish worldwide. This research is significant because jellyfish populations may be increasing around the world due to the combined effects of human activities. Jellyfish are important consumers of zooplankton, and are generally deleterious to fish populations and commercial fisheries through direct predation on fish eggs and larvae, predator competition, and interference with fish harvesting. It is important to understand the factors that affect their population fluctuations in order to understand the possible effects of changing ocean conditions.

This ADVANCE award will promote the career of a female scientist at a critical point. This investment is likely to allow her to re-establish her career a new university, where she will be an excellent role model for students. In addition, the SPML has two strong programs focused on undergraduate research in which the PI will participate as a mentor and instructor. The programs, Minorities in Marine Science Undergraduate Program (MIMSUP) and an Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site program will allow the PI to mentor numerous undergraduate students.


You may also retrieve a text version of this abstract.
Please report errors in award information by writing to: award-abstracts-info@nsf.gov.

Please use the browser back button to return to the previous screen.

If you have trouble accessing any FastLane page, please contact the FastLane Help Desk at 1-800-673-6188