Mission Shrimpossible: A Study of the Effects of Algal Blooms on Glass Shrimp (Palaemon paludosus)

Algal blooms are a growing environmental concern in aquatic ecosystems around the world. These blooms, often triggered by rising nutrient levels, can disrupt the balance of river systems by depleting oxygen and blocking sunlight, ultimately harming aquatic life. One local example that we drew our inspiration from is the Hudson River, which experiences periodic algal blooms due to nutrient runoff, particularly phosphorus and nitrates from synthetic fertilizers used in agriculture and landscaping. As these nutrients wash into the river, they create ideal conditions for algae to rapidly multiply, eventually becoming an algal bloom. While algal blooms can harm many organisms, some species may play a role in controlling them. (McCall et al., n.d.)
Grass shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) are small, native crustaceans found in the Hudson River that perform key ecosystem functions. They act as scavengers, filter feeders, and prey for larger species and they are also known to consume algae. Because of these roles, they are considered a keystone species. (Gibson, 2013)
In this study, we investigated how algal blooms affect the physiology of grass shrimp and whether these shrimp can help reduce the severity of blooms. By exploring their potential to manage algal growth, we aim to better understand the shrimp’s ecological role and how they may support the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems like the Hudson River.