Dr Ben Fertig

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Dr Ben Fertig

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Ben Fertig Integration and Application Network Dr Ben Fertig Post Doctoral Associate fertig@marine.rutgers.edu work(301) 785-7614 Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University

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71 Dudley Road

New Brunswick NJ 08901 USA

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PERSONAL DETAILS

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BENJAMIN MEIR FERTIG

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Integration and Application Network

111 Cathedral St., Annapolis, MD 21401

(410) 263-5240

bfertig@hpl.umces.edu

www.ian.umces.edu

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EDUCATION

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University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science,

Integration and Application Network, Cambridge, MD

Ph.D. Ecology. Pending.

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Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

B.A. Biology. May 2003.

Minor: Environmental Studies

Senior Essay: �Integrating Science in Marine Invasive Species Policy�

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RESEARCH INTERESTS

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Anthropogenic influences on estuarine ecosystems, biological indicators of eutrophication, stable nitrogen isotope techniques, spatial analysis, ecosystem health assessment, applying science to environmental management and policy, science communication

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FELLOWSHIPS AWARDED

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National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) 2007 Graduate Research Fellowship �Establishing a link between ?¹⁵N in Crassostrea virginica tissues to land use: spatial analysis and modeling approaches� ($29,500)

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National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) 2006 Graduate Research Fellowship �Developing the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, as a biological indicator of nitrogen sources� ($29,500)

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RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

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Integration and Application Network, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Cambridge, MD.� 2005 � Present

��� Developed the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, as a biological indicator of nitrogen sources to Monie Bay, a component of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, using stable nitrogen isotopes.

��� Broadly surveyed oyster isotopes throughout Chesapeake Bay, using oysters collected from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation�s Oyster Gardening Program

��� Identified spatial patterns of anthropogenic nitrogen sources and assessed water quality in Maryland�s Coastal Bays using both oyster and macroalgal biological indicators.

��� Assessed seasonal and temporal variations in oyster stable isotope physiology and ecology.

��� Communicated increased understanding of the eastern oyster as a biological indicator to various scientists, environmental managers,� non-profit organizations, and the public via presentations, newspaper and e-news articles, and newsletters.

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Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory. Semester in Environmental Science. Woods Hole, MA. Fall 2001

��� Studied terrestrial and aquatic ecology, and mathematical modeling while conducting fieldwork including water quality analysis and nutrient loading in various ecosystems

��� Experimented on aquatic carnivorous plants, revealing nitrogen uptake patterns; presented the paper at the SES Symposium. http://courses.mbl.edu/SES/data/project/2001/fertig.pdf

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

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Editor, Oceanic/ Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts��������� 8/03 � 5/05

Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, Bethesda, MD

��� Selecting, editing, and indexing abstracts for Oceanic Abstracts and Aquatic Science and Fisheries Abstracts. All aspects of journal publication.

��� Writing review articles to showcase the ASFA and Oceanic databases in the Hot Topic series.

��� Index websites about aquaculture, aquatic science, oceanography, sustainable fisheries, sustainable energy, sustainable development and international environmental programs

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Science and Technology Intern������������������������������������������������ ������� 1/03 � 12/03

Northeast Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species, Cambridge, MA

��� Co-authored white paper �Ballast Water Exchange in the North Atlantic: A Background Paper for the Ballast Water Management Workshop�, circulated at Ballast Water Workshop in Halifax. MIT Sea Grant College Program publication number 04-5

��� Profiled marine invasive species found within the Gulf of Maine incorporating information from a broad scientific literature survey on their biology and ecology

��� Assisted with the proposal for a regional ballast water management plan, helped plan a conference regarding ballast water exchange, and gathered shipping traffic data

Invasive Species Education and Outreach Fellowship                 6/02 – 12/02

Massachusetts Bays Program, Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Boston, MA

§   Authored public outreach brochure (35,000 printed copies) on invasive species, that advises aquatic pet owners on methods to prevent introductions of non-native species

§   Profiled marine invasive species found in the Gulf of Maine through a broad scientific literature survey on their biology and ecology

Naturalist Intern and Research Assistant                                            6/02 – 8/02

Center for Oceanic Research and Education, Essex, MA

§   Identified marine mammals and birds seen along whale watch tours

§   Collected data on location and behavior patterns of marine mammals

§   Publicly spoke about behavior, biology, and ecology of marine life, and the Gulf of Maine

Environmental Systems Intern                                                               6/01 – 8/01

§   Designed and wrote intranet webpages for Environmental Systems, including Groundwater, Hazardous Waste, Chemical Management, and Industrial Waste Water

§   Surveyed solid waste streams for recyclables at IBM-Burlington; prepared annual report

§   Analyzed potential recycling projects, especially cell phone batteries, and developed a framework for a recycling program currently under consideration by IBM

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B., Dennison, W.C., Jones, A., Pantus, F., and Longstaff, B. 2008. Identifying anthropogenic nitrogen loading in Maryland’s Coastal Bays using stable isotope analysis of biological indicators. (Submitted to Estuaries and Coasts)

TECHNICAL REPORTS

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B., Dennison, W.C.. 2007. Linking Monie Bay watershed land use to nitrogen stable isotopes in tissues of the native eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Prepared for National Estuarine Research Reserve System.

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B.  Wazniak, C., Sturgiss, B., Hall, M., Dennison, W.C. 2006. Water quality in four regions of the Maryland Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to rainfall and brown tide. Prepared for Maryland Coastal Bays Program.

Fertig, B. August 2004. “Gardening the Oceans Using Iron Fertilizers”. CSA Hot Topic http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/oceangard/overview.php

Fertig, B., Foster, T., and Nicholas, I. April 2005. “Tsunamis and the International Response: Economic, Social and Environmental Dimensions” CSA Hot Topic http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/tsunami/overview.php

Pederson, J. and B. Fertig 2003. “Ballast Water Exchange in the North Atlantic: A Background Paper for the Ballast Water Management Workshop”, circulated at Ballast Water Workshop in Halifax. MIT Sea Grant College Program publication number 04-5

Fertig B. 2003. Integrating Science in Marine Invasive Species Policy. B.A. Senior Essay. 62 pp.

PRESENTATIONS­­­­­­­

Beckert, K., Fertig, B., O’Neil, J., Carruthers, T.J.B., and Dennison, W.C. (February 2008) “Fine scale patterns of water quality in three regions of Maryland’s Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to land use” Invited speaker at Maryland Coastal Bays Program Science and Technology Advisory Committee Meeting, Cambridge, MD

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B., and Dennison, W.C. (November 2007) “Identifying anthropogenic nitrogen sources in Monie Bay (Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve) using stable isotopes of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica” Invited speaker at ERF 19^th Biennial International Conference, Providence, RI

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B., Dennison, W.C. (October 2007) “Identifying anthropogenic nutrient loading in Maryland’s Coastal Bays using stable isotope analysis of biological indicators” Invited speaker Horn Point Laboratory Student Seminar Series

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B., and Dennison, W.C. (May 2007) “Developing the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, as a biological indicator of nitrogen source: short- and long-term bioindicators in Maryland’s Coastal Bays and linking land use to stable isotopes in Monie Bay” Invited speaker at Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Benson, E., Fertig, B., and Florkowski, L. (March 2007) “From land to lake to sea: Ecological monitoring over various spatial scales and complexities”

(Co-Invited speakers, split between authors) at Integration and Application Network Seminar Series

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B., and Dennison, W.C. (December 2006) “Comparing the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, to the macroalgae Gracilaria sp. as a biological indicator of nitrogen source in Maryland’s Coastal Bays”

Invited speaker Horn Point Laboratory Student Seminar Series

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B., and Dennison, W.C. (July 2006) “Developing the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, as a biological indicator of nitrogen source”  Invited speaker at Cooperative Oxford Laboratory

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B., and Dennison, W.C. (June 2006) “Developing the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica as a biological indicator of nitrogen source” Invited speaker, Horn Point Laboratory Student Seminar Series

POSTERS

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T. Dennison, W. 2007. Developing the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, as a bioindicator of nitrogen source over multiple spatial scales  Poster at 2007 University of Maryland Marine, Estuarine Environmental Science Program Colloquium

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. 2007  Responsible for facilitating Interactive Video Network and online course readings experience, as well as grading and organizing class presentations (MEES698A)

MISCELLANEOUS

Proficiency with ESRI ArcView and ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite 2

Fluency in Spanish, Proficient in Hebrew

Publications

This page provides a reference list in Word and PDF formats, an RSS feed for new publications, a link to browse/search through all Ben's publications in the literature database. You can also view the abstract and keywords and access a pemanent link to the article in our literature database by expanding the citation, or view the full details of each publication in the database, or view the article on the publisher's website, which may include access to fulltext and PDF versions.

Peer-reviewed Publications
2013
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC (2013) Oyster deltaN-15 as a Bioindicator of Potential Wastewater and Poultry Farming Impacts and Degraded Water Quality in a Subestuary of Chesapeake Bay. J. Coast. Res. In Press Abstract: Anthropogenic nitrogen contributes to water quality degradation, but it is difficult to distinguish sources once they are mixed in coastal ecosystems. Natural abundances of stable nitrogen isotopes (deltaN-15) were measured in oyster (Crassostrea virginica) tissues (muscle, gills, and mantle) during summer 2006 to summer 2008 to identify nitrogen sources in Monie Bay (a subestuary of Chesapeake Bay) receiving freshwater inputs from three tributary creeks. The creeks (estimated flushing times: 3.5, 5.7, and 37.2 d) vary in size and potential nitrogen sources: septic systems and poultry operations (Monie Creek), crop fertilizer (Little Monie Creek), and wetlands, forest, or both (Little Creek). Grand mean oyster tissue deltaN-15 values (11.8 ± 0.4‰ in muscle, 10.4 ± 0.4‰ in gills, and 10.5 ± 0.3‰ in mantle) indicated a mixture of human and animal sources. Potential nitrogen loss from denitrification (15.1–24.5%) likely did not substantially modify isotopic values, and deltaN-15 values were greater than would be expected from atmospheric sources, refuting these alternative explanations. Though dilute, spatial patterns supported the inference that human waste, poultry waste, or both entered Monie Bay from its watershed and the adjacent Wicomico River watershed (via mixing). Calculated nitrogen generation from poultry manure in the watershed (containing 2.5 x 10ˆ3 people) was 2.9 x 10ˆ4 to 1.0 x 10ˆ6 kg of total nitrogen (TN) per year (equivalent to 6.8 x 10ˆ3–2.3 x 10ˆ5 people), whereas throughout Delmarva Peninsula (containing 1.2 x 10ˆ6 people) it was 3.9 x 10ˆ6 to 1.3 x 10ˆ8 kg TN yˆ1 (equivalent to 9.0 x 10ˆ5–3.1 x 10ˆ8 people). Conservatively estimated (based on 0.038 kg chickenˆ-1 yˆ-1), poultry in the Monie Bay watershed generated an amount of nitrogen equivalent to that generated by 263% of the human population. Throughout Delmarva Peninsula, poultry generated an amount of nitrogen equivalent to that generated by 76% of the human population. Estuaries commonly receive nutrients from both inside and outside their watersheds, and oyster deltaN-15 values elucidated this process locally. Keywords: Bioindicators, nitrogen sources, water quality, stable nitrogen isotopes, oysters, poultry manures, land use, land cover Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Fertig BM, O’Neil JM, Beckert KA, Cain CJ, Needham DM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC (2013) Elucidating terrestrial nutrient sources to a coastal lagoon, Chincoteague Bay, Maryland, USA. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 116:1–10 Abstract: Long-term non-linear ecosystem-scale changes in water quality and biotic communities in coastal lagoons have been associated with intensification of anthropogenic pressures. In light of incipient changes in Johnson Bay (an embayment of Chincoteague Bay, Maryland-Virginia, USA), examination of nitrogen sources was conducted through synoptic water quality monitoring, stable nitrogen isotope signatures (deltaN-15) of in situ bioindicators, and denitrification estimates. These data were placed in the context of long-term and broader spatial analyses. Despite various watershed protection efforts, multiyear summer time studies (2004-2007) suggested that high levels of terrestrially derived nutrients still enter Johnson Bay. Total nitrogen concentrations in Johnson Bay were 132% the concentrations in the broader Chincoteague Bay during the late 1970s (mean 2004-2007 was 40.0 – 73.2 µM). Comparing total nitrogen concentrations in Johnson Bay to St. Martin River (consistently the most eutrophic region of these coastal bays), Johnson Bay has increased from 62.5% to 82.5% of the concentrations in St. Martin River during the late 1970s. Though specific sources of nitrogen inputs have not yet been definitively identified, the long-term increase in total nitrogen concentrations occurred despite increased and continued conservation and protection measures. We suggest that investigating nutrient sources can reveal potentially ineffective nutrient policies and that this knowledge can be applied towards other coastal lagoons. Keywords: coastal lagoons; nitrogen; anthropogenic factors; water quality; land use; Maryland; Chincoteague Bay Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2010
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Fertig EJ, Altabet MA (2010) Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) δ15N as a bioindicator of nitrogen sources: Observations and modeling. Mar. Poll. Bull. 60(8):1288–1298 Abstract: Stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) in bioindicators are increasingly employed to identify nitrogen sources in many ecosystems and biological characteristics of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) make it an appropriate species for this purpose. To assess nitrogen isotopic fractionation associated with assimilation and baseline variations in oyster mantle, gill, and muscle tissue δ15N, manipulative fieldwork in Chesapeake Bay and corresponding modeling exercises were conducted. This study (1) determined that five individuals represented an optimal sample size; (2) verified that δ15N in oysters from two locations converged after shared deployment to a new location reflecting a change in nitrogen sources; (3) identified required exposure time and temporal integration (four months for muscle, two to three months for gill and mantle); and (4) demonstrated seasonal δ15N increases in seston (summer) and oysters (winter). As bioindicators, oysters can be deployed for spatial interpolation of nitrogen sources, even in areas lacking extant populations. Keywords: Biological indicators; Crassostrea virginica; Stable nitrogen isotopes; Nitrogen sources; Temporal integration; Chesapeake Bay Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2009
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Jones AB, Pantus F, Longstaff B (2009) Oyster and Macroalgae Bioindicators Detect Elevated delta N-15 in Maryland's Coastal Bays. Estuaries Coasts 32(4):773–786 Abstract: Nitrogen loading from anthropogenic sources, including fertilizer, manure, and sewage effluents, has been linked with declining water quality in coastal lagoons worldwide. Freshwater inputs to mid-Atlantic coastal lagoons of the USA are from terrestrially influenced sources: groundwater and overland flow via streams and agricultural ditches, with occasional precipitation events. Stable nitrogen isotopes ratios (delta N-15) in bioindicator species combined with conventional water quality monitoring were used to assess nitrogen sources and provide insights into their origins. Water quality data revealed that nutrients derived from terrestrial sources increased after precipitation events. Tissues from two bioindicator species, a macroalgae (Gracilaria sp.) and the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) were analyzed for delta N-15 to determine spatial and temporal patterns of nitrogen sources. A broad-scale survey assessment of deployed macroalgae (June 2004) detected regions of elevated delta N-15. Macroalgal delta N-15 (7.33 +/- 1.15aEuro degrees in May 2006 and 6.76 +/- 1.15aEuro degrees in July 2006) responded quickly to sustained June 2006 nutrient pulse, but did not detect spatial patterns at the fine scale. Oyster delta N-15 (8.51 +/- 0.89aEuro degrees) responded slowly over longer time periods and exhibited a slight gradient at the finer spatial scale. Overall, elevated delta N-15 values in macroalgae and oysters were used to infer that human and animal wastes were important nitrogen sources in some areas of Maryland's coastal bays. Different nitrogen integration periods across multiple organisms may be used to indicate nitrogen sources at various spatial and temporal scales, which will help focus nutrient management. Keywords: Stable nitrogen isotopes;Coastal lagoons;Human and animal wastes;Biological indicators;Water quality;Spatial analysis Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Book Contributions
2010
Kimmel DG, Townsend H, Carruthers TJB, Fertig BM (2010) Chapter 8: Environmental statistics: balancing simplicity and explanatory power. In: Longstaff BJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lookingbill TR, Hawkey JM, Thomas JE, Wicks EC, Woerner JL (eds) Integrating and Applying Science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, p 113–132 Abstract: One of the most important goals of a coastal assessment program is to increase the knowledge of individuals and agencies who make management decisions. Information must be presented in an easy-to-understand format and supported by quantitative analyses. Quantitative analyses often involve applying statistical techniques that are used to visualize, describe, and model data. Statistics allow scientists and managers to distill data into useful information and increase the amount of confidence they have in their conclusions (Figure 8.1). This chapter describes how to use statistics to strike a balance between explanatory power and complexity (Figure 8.2). This brief introduction should provide some guidance in using statistics to analyze data. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Wicks EC, Longstaff BJ, Fertig BM, Dennison WC (2010) Chapter 5: Ecological indicators: assessing ecosystem health using metrics. In: Longstaff BJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lookingbill TR, Hawkey JM, Thomas JE, Wicks EC, Woerner JL (eds) Integrating and Applying Science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, p 61–78 Abstract: Chapter 4 discussed how selecting an appropriate communication product can affect an audience and persuade opinions. This chapter discusses how using another tool, an indicator (Figure 5.1), not only can persuade opinions, but also can be used to evaluate the health of an ecosystem. It starts by introducing what an ecological indicator is and why it is important and then describes different kinds of indicators, the process of selecting an indicator, how indicators are used to aid in management decisions, and how to structure indicators. Selecting, developing, and communicating ecological indicators are perhaps the most important, yet challenging aspects of a coastal assessment program and, therefore, should be given appropriate effort and resources. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2009
Wazniak CE, Hall MR, Bailey EM, Boward DM, Boynton WR, Bratton JF, Carruthers TJB, Chalmers RJ, Cole LW, Cornwell JC, Fertig BM, Glibert PM, Jones AB, Jordan TE, McCoy J, McGinty M, Shedlock RJ, Sherwell J, Sturgis RB, Thomas JE, Trice TM, Wells DV (2009) Water Quality Reponses to Nutrients. In: Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Cain CJ, Carruthers TJB, Hall MR, Jesien RV, Wazniak CE, Wilson DE (eds) Shifting Sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Camridge, MD, p 249–292 Abstract: The title of this book-Shifting Sands-refers to both the dynamic nature of the barrier islands forming the coastal lagoons of Maryland's Atlantic Ocean coastline and also the changing cultural landscape as more and more people discover these once-forgotten bays. The subtitle of the book-Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays-reflects the way the book integrates natural and human influences. Shifting Sands is a richly illustrated, multi-authored introduction to Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, St. Martin River, Sinepuxent Bay, Newport Bay, and Chincoteague Bay. This book leads the reader on a voyage of discovery, providing a user-friendly guide to the history, setting, context, and ecology of these waterways nestled behind Assateague, Fenwick, and Chincoteague Islands. Photographs, conceptual diagrams, maps, and graphs are used to showcase the key features of and major threats to these magnificent bays, watersheds, and islands, with recommendations for how to preserver them for future generations. Keywords: coastal bays;health;management;assessment;history;water quality;habitats Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX

Science Communication Publications Browse all publications for Ben Fertig on IAN Press OR view individually:
2009
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Altabet MA and Fertig EJ (2009) Variations of δ15N in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) as a baseline to assess waste nitrogen sources. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 20pp (Presentation)
2008
Integration and Application Network (2008) Oyster δ15N as a bioindicator of waste nitrogen and degraded water quality in a sub-estuary of Chesapeake Bay. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2008) Upstream land use affects water quality in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 3pp (Newsletter)
Beckert K, Fertig BM, O'Neil JM, Carruthers TJB, Wazniak C, Sturgis B, Hall M, Jones AB and Dennison WC (2008) Fine scale patterns of water quality in three regions of Marylands Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to land use. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 55pp (Report)
Beckert K, Fertig BM, O'Neil JM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC and Fisher T (2008) Fine scale patterns of water quality in three regions of Maryland's Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to land use. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 32pp (Presentation)
2007
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB and Dennison WC (2007) Linking Monie Bay watershed land use to nitrogen stable isotopes in tissues of the native eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 76pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2007) Biological indicators enhance water quality monitoring in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
2006
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Wazniak C, Sturgess B, Hall M, Jones AB, and Dennison WC (2006) Water quality in four regions of the Maryland Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to rainfall and brown tide. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 50pp (Report)

Media

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The Worcester County Times (Thu 16 Nov, 2006)
Oysters, seaweed give pollution clues

Blog Posts

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Annapolis Synthesis Center gets a facelift