Ally Kido, 2024

My project focuses on the ecosystem services of sessile suspension feeders in urban waterways, specifically how they can remove algae from the water. The Inner Harbor and Middle Branch River are areas that experience intense and frequent algae blooms that are harmful to the ecosystem. My work will focus on the dark false mussel and bay barnacle as both organisms readily grow in these areas. This work will provide quantitative data for economic and ecological models to support the use of naturally occurring suspension feeders for best management practices to mitigate urban runoff.

UMBC Mentor: Eric Schott
Partner Mentors: Sarah Lane (Maryland DNR)

Community Stakeholder: Charmaine Dahlenburg (National Aquarium)