Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Propagation Experiment Presenter/ Experimenter: Shavonne Newman Research Supervisors: Dr. Laura Murray and Dr. Micheal Kemp

All SAV Beds Tend to Modify their Environment Trap & stabilize sediments Increase water clarity Increase sediment nutrients Reduce water column nutrients L Murray

Stucknia pectinata Potamogeton perfoliatus

Self-Propagation of Transplants Original (10 m 2 ) Transplants S. pectinata “satellites” P. perfoliatus “satellites” (2001) (2004) “Founder Colony” concept Small transplants of stable SAV species “nursed” by fluctuating R. maritima beds = Long-term survival & natural expansion ~300 m

Problem Main Question: How does (Sp and Pp) SAV establish satellite colonies of the two species? Sub Question: Will Potamogeton perfoliatus and Stucknia pectinata propagate vegetatively from tubers and plant cuttings of both species?

Percent Activity in ½ filled and Filled tanks A-H Daily cleaning Twice weekly formal observations Weekly measurements

Where will I go from here? Classroom Objectives Students will utilize the scientific method in order to run a sound experiment involving the cuttings of redhead grass and sago pond weed. Students will use experimental results in order to grow Redhead grass and Sago pond weed in the classroom. WE MUST: Promote environmental awareness that will further help the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Project.