Marine Science Research and Student Mentoring Program
Nantucket Bay Scallop Research
Founded by Director Emeritus, Dr. Valerie Hall and since its inception in 2016, the program’s predominant focus has been on population, ecology, and reproductive biology of the Nantucket Bay scallop (Argopecten irradians). The program has since served a over 60 students since 2016, ranging in age from 11 to 22. Students participate in all aspects of ongoing research, as well as designing and carrying out their own independent projects, and enhancing both their scientific method, written, and oral communication skills. This program will continue this summer with a special emphasis on the impact of climate change on the timing of bay scallop reproduction and larval development and include a special focus on economic impact of the last remaining wild fishery.
Nantucket Bay Scallop Research and Mentor Program
This summer, join the Maria Mitchell Association in collaboration with the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation, Nantucket Shellfish Association, and with support from the Town of Nantucket Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery in a hands-on, immersive student marine science research and mentoring experience.
Students will join in testing the hypothesis that warming of seawater is causing a shift in Nantucket bay Scallop spawning such that there may now be a mismatch between release of larvae and their food source, phytoplankton in the water column. We will also investigate other changes in the bay scallop’s habitat, such as the loss of eelgrass and increase in harmful algal blooms, which may be at least partially explained by climate change.
To learn more about openings in Secondary Research Associate positions, check out our opportunities page.
For questions and inquiries please contact, Jónelle Gurley, Director of Science and Programs at jgurley@mariamitchell.org or Katherine Whittle, Primary Research Associate at marine.ed@mariamitchell.org
Cost $950 per participant
DATES OFFERED:
Session I June 16 - June 27
Session II June 30 - July 11*
Session III July 14 - July 25
Session IV July 28 - August 8
Session V August 11 - August 22
Each two week session runs Monday to Thursday, 9am - 1pm and Fridays from 9am- 3pm.
*Session II will run Monday to Thursday, 9am - 1:30pm and Thursday July 3 from 9am- 3pm in observance of the holiday on Friday July 4 during week 1. We will observe regular hours the following week.
Registration is per session, and first come, first serve.
Nantucket Bay Scallop Student Research and Mentor Program History
Dr. Valerie Hall, Director Emeritus, instituted and directed the scallop program since its inception in 2016 as the final portion of a grant received from the Nantucket Shellfish Association. The purpose of the project was to continue the study of the reproduction of the bay scallop over the course of the summer, in order, to assess the importance of the timing of spawning; in particular that of the second spawn.
In the past five years, the effect of climate change on scallop reproduction has been added to our research. Each year, scallops were collected biweekly and gonadal tissue was prepared following standard techniques of paraffin histology. The final product of every collection was a set of stained slides. Students participated in every aspect of this research, from collection of the scallops to analysis of the stained slides.
For the life cycle of the program, the Maria Mitchell Association, first at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum and the Research Center, and now at its 33 Washington Street property has provided the operating base location and supplemental funding. The Nantucket Shellfish Association (NSA) remained the major funder until the summer of 2021, when the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation began to underwrite the program, with the NSA as supplemental funder. Other funders in past years include the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative, Madaket Marine, as well as donations from parents such as Abrar and Laura Qureshi, Ami Sokol, and others.
Program Sponsors
Registration Information
***PLEASE REMEMBER***
The medical release pick up form is now filled out as part of the registration process. Before you register make sure you have:
- Phone number for your child’s doctor
- Health insurance details
- Emergency contacts and phone numbers
- Names and contact info for people on your child’s pick-up list
- Medication details if applicable
You will be notified of the required physical and immunization records during the registration process and will receive these details in the confirmation email you receive upon registering. If you are still unsure,
please visit the required medical forms page.