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Research Projects and Collaborations
The Maritime Aquarium is more than just a place for families to have fun.  We’re engaged in ongoing research projects and collaborations with other area organizations to help ensure that the animals you enjoy here thrive in the wild for generations to come.
Jefferson Science Magnet School

The Maritime Aquarium began a collaboration with Jefferson Science Magnet School in 2006. Since that time, the Aquarium has functioned as an extension of the classroom for Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Programs are developed according to CT Science Framework Standards and Grade Level Expectations, as well as Norwalk’s own specific goals. There are also interdisciplinary components in the Aquarium developed curriculum including Math, Literacy and Social Studies.

The Aquarium staff meets regularly with the Jefferson staff and administrators to plan programs, the budget and identify funding opportunities.

This partnership is successful, in that Jefferson students benefit from multiple science based programs.

This partnership is truly a model / cornerstone in the foundation of the Aquarium’s capacity to make a difference in the classroom and the community.
Horseshoe Crab Project

This tag-and-release research/education project focuses on the population ecology of the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) in Long Island Sound. Dr. Jennifer Mattei of Sacred Heart University's Biology Department is the principle investigator of this long-term, community wide research project. The Maritime Aquarium participates by tagging and collecting data on horseshoe crabs encountered during field studies and research cruises. It has been recently discovered that migratory shorebird survival is linked to the horseshoe crab's breeding season. Migrating shorebirds consume horseshoe crab eggs, helping fuel their long trip north to breed. In addition, the federally protected loggerhead sea turtle also depends on horseshoe crabs for food. Horseshoe crabs are also important to humans because of a component in their blood that is used to detect bacterial contamination in manufactured drugs and other pharmaceutical products.
By understanding the population dynamics of this species we will be better able to manage their harvest and prevent their extinction.  The horseshoe crab population ecology investigation is currently being supported by a grant from the Long Island Sound License Plate Program, managed by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and Sacred Heart University. Other participants include, Project Oceanology, SoundWaters, Bridgeport Aquaculture School, the Peabody Museum and the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center. To participate in this study, contact Dr. Mattei at 203-365-7577 or matteij@sacredheart.edu

To participate, volunteers should attend one of two training sessions at the Aquarium.
Wed., May 4, 2011 / 7 p.m.
Sun., May 8, 2011 / 7 p.m.

They’ll learn about the natural history of horseshoe crabs, what has been learned so far from the census work, and how to safely tag horseshoe crabs. Volunteers should be in 10th grade or older. Younger children can assist if working with a parent, teacher or guardian.

Tagging sessions at Calf Pasture will be held on...
Mon., May 16, 2011 / 11 p.m.
Wed., June 1, 2011 / 5:30 a.m. & 11:30 p.m.
Wed., June 15, 2011 / 5:30 a.m. & 11:30 p.m.

Tagging can usually start 2 hours before and extend to 2 hours after low tide. We usually need to park outside the park and walk in the main entrance.  Veer to the right, follow the road and gather at the Shea monument at the Coast Guard Auxillary/sailing school area at the southwest corner of the park.

Each participant should bring the following:

• Food and water – bring your own please.
• good headlamp or flashlight(s) with broad dim light
• pencils
• insect repellent (midges and mosquitoes are common in most places at these times).
• Waders, hip boots or knee boots, sturdy walking shoes or clothing that can get wet and are appropriate for the weather. 

Some find gardening/flooring knee pads a blessing and a sturdy bucket (6 gal. wine or sheet rock compound) great to sit on.

If interested in training and tagging, please contact Joe Schnierlein at TMA at 852-0700 ext. 2352.
jschnierlein@maritimeaquarium.org

Biodiversity Database

What is Biodiversity?
The Long Island Sound Biodiversity Database is a searchable web resource to monitor trends on Long Island Sound. Partners collecting data include The Maritime Aquarium, SoundWaters, SoundKeeper and the Bridgeport Aquaculture School.

Data is collected on 125 species of marine organism and water quality variables including pH, salinity, temperature, turbidity and dissolved oxygen. You can go to the database at the link below and run your own reports.
Click on this link. http://tma.evendata.com. The public user name is Public User and the password is password. They are case sensitive.


For more information on how to use the database or involve your group or class to collect data, please contact Joe Schnierlein at 203-852-0700 ext. 2352.”

Climate Change In Long Island Sound
An initiative organized by Clean Air, Cool Planet (http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/)