This project will support an upgrade of the existing seawater system by constructing a filtration system which will constitute a major advancement in the ability of resident and visiting investigators to conduct important new research at the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory (BMFL). With the reconstruction of facilities destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 now complete, the availability of laboratory space and supporting equipment has resulted in increases in user traffic and a strong spirit of a new beginning. A diverse program of research which ranges from landscape level ecology to cellular biology is supported at the BMFL and new faculty associates have identified new directions and approaches to studying the structural and functional aspects of estuarine systems. Reconstruction of facilities included a seawater delivery system, however, funds were not sufficient to include any filtration. Current research is limited by high sediment and plankton loads in the existing, unfiltered system. Many studies conducted at the facility require unfiltered raw water and the careful design of the current system, partially funded by NSF, has provided uninterrupted service for the past two years. An equal or greater number of studies could be carried out at the facility if high quality filtered seawater were also available. The enhanced opportunities for graduate student and visiting researchers would undoubtedly increase use of the BMFL facility in the years ahead. This project will allow the purchase installation operation and maintenance of a large volume, seawater filtration system at the new Baruch Marine Field Laboratory.
