Population dynamics, life history characteristics, and environmental drivers of Neomysis americana in the Damariscotta River estuary

Mysid shrimp (Neomysis americana) play a pivotal role in estuarine food webs by linking primary producers to higher trophic levels and serving as an important food source for commercially valuable fish. Despite their ecological significance, mysids are often under sampled, leading to gaps in our understanding of their population dynamics and life history traits. My study investigated N. americana over a full year (June 2023 to May 2024) in the temperate Damariscotta River Estuary in Maine. My research focused on how environmental factors such as temperature, turbidity, salinity, chlorophyll-a, and zooplankton biomass affect mysid density and reproduction. Temperature emerged as a key factor, with warmer temperatures leading to higher mysid density. My results also indicated distinct overwintering cohorts, highlighting that at least a portion of the population remains in the estuary year-round, with seasonal shifts in size distribution. These findings enhance our understanding of N. americana\u27s ecological role in temperate estuaries, building on previous research of this important species

Ancient Isles

Created by a 5th grade student from Yarmouth Elementary in Yarmouth.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1063/thumbnail.jp

Neverland

Created by a 6th grade student from York Middle School in York.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1280/thumbnail.jp

Puerto Rico

Created by a 6th grade student from York Middle School in York.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1294/thumbnail.jp

Baby Kong Island

Created by a 6th grade student from Brunswick Junior High in Brunswick.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1161/thumbnail.jp

WNBA Island

Created by a 6th grade student from York Middle School in York.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1265/thumbnail.jp

Duggan Isle

Created by a 6th grade student from York Middle School in York.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1285/thumbnail.jp

Disaster Island

Created by a 4th grade student from Old Town Elementary School in Old Town.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1208/thumbnail.jp

Soleada Isle

Created by a 6th grade student from Brunswick Junior High in Brunswick.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1140/thumbnail.jp

Building Damaged by Ice and Snow

A caved in roof after an icy storm. A ladder can be spotted on the second floor.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/hamilton-thayer-photographs/1237/thumbnail.jp