Effects of temperature and salinity on the invasive Mnemiopsis leidyi (Ctenophora) in the Venice lagoon

The main focus of this study is the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Venice lagoon. Transferred from the eastern coast of north and south America this species of ctenophore has caused ecological downfalls to the areas it has invaded wiping out pelagic food chains. This research aims to: identify where in the Venice lagoon these ctenophores are most present and to experimentally determine salinity and temperature tolerances of their survival. This research can hopefully provide evidence to where these ctenophores thrive in the environment to allow targeted attacks to their removal or potential intervention with other predatory species. Thusly re-establishing the pelagic food chain and decreasing the economic impact to local fisheries in the area.