Gowanus Canal Mummichog Study

Hello Everyone, 
Thanks for visiting our gofundme page! This project is an ongoing science investigation in which MS51 students will design, collaborate, and conduct. But we need community funding to purchase the tools and materials to accurately carry out the procedures.

The students and I will be researching how specific chemicals, endocrine disruptors, from the household environment enter the watershed and impact the mummichog fish of the Gowanus Canal.   Some studies have shown that the chemicals are causing male fish to become female. 



The mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, is a small killifish found in estuarine waters all along the Atlantic coast. Small in size, the mummichog swim upstream and spend a good portion of their lives in the canal. Research is currently being conducted on the fish's’ gut bacteria, which scientists believe contain microorganisms of which help the fish survive in such poor quality water by breaking down the contaminates that permeate the fish. These fish are hardy and robust and numerous. NASA currently is studying mummichog in space. We will lay, bait, and trap mummichog and bring to the classroom for observations. These fish will live in 2-10 gallon aquariums throughout the school year allowing students to record gender data, sketch, measure, and care for the fish population. Plotting along a map the data collected. 
If you are able, donations are needed to fund this investigation. Currently we need to raise close to $2,000.00 in order to supply the students with the appropriate safety and technical tools to conduct this ongoing scientific study. I hope you can partner with us to allow our students to perform meaningful and impactful scientific work for years to come.


Thank you,

Mr. Steven Sandman
MS51
Science Department