1. Rational
Consistent world changes of the marine coastal environment
(CO2 & O2 conc., pollution etc.) have probably a
destructive effect on the biodiversity of marine organisms. Continuous
monitoring of defined species at selected stations along the coasts, will
enable us to characterize the changes in populations of these species.
The purpose of this study is to elaborate the involvement and
consciousness of high school students to these environmental protection
problems. The students will identify and quantify the changes in the
biodiversity of coastal organisms, supporting the responsibility to
decrease and prevent this development.
The project will be directed by myself with the facilities and team of
IOLR, and performed with a number of biology teachers and their classes
in Israel and in other countries.
2. Objectives
2.1 Establishment of a data base of the coastal organisms which will serve as a multi annual research tool for monitoring the changes in populations in Israel and other coasts in the world. Organisms will be studied in "clean" and "changed" stations.
2.2 Eleven grade high school students will collect the data and analyze them in a special annual study which will be a part of their matriculation examination.
3. Schools
Six classes from different high schools along the Israeli Mediterranean
coast have already registered for the project.
4. Methodology
4.1 Ten common species of animals and algae, which are sensitive to environmental conditions, will be monitored and compared.
4.2 The students of each school will study two or more carefully chosen coastal stations in the vicinity of their schools.
4.3 Monthly observations will be performed by each group of 2-3 students, between Oct. 1998 and Sep. 1999. Students will measure abiotic variables, identify and quantify the organisms.
4.4 Full instructions will be prepared by the IOLR team, which will supervise the study in close cooperation with the biology high school teachers.
4.5 Twice a year all the participating students will meet at the IOLR for observation presentations, discussions and experimental work.
4.6 The observations of each station will be inserted into the internet project site: "The International Caretakers of the Environment". Students will also communicate via this site for data comparisons and advice.
5. Observation instructions for students
5.1 Determine with your teacher the observation stations.
5.2 Draw a detailed scheme of each station, and copy it for 12 months.
5.3 Identify the organisms using the key for coastal species.
5.4 Choose the suitable method of organism quantification (% cover or density per m2), perform the measurement and insert data into a standard table.
5.5 Draw on the scheme the dispersion pattern in the location of each organism.
5.6 Measure the abiotic variables: light intensity and water and air temperatures at noon, salinity, O2 CO2 and ammonium concentrations, pH and any special variable.