D.C. AMPHIPOD
CONSERVATION
THE BIGGEST
THREATS.
DETERIORATING WATER QUALITY
As of September 16, 2020, both areas of NW Rock Creek Park surveyed had high levels of E. Coli, and every single site in Rock Creek met water quality standards less than 60% of the time (Anacostia Riverkeeper).
GROUNDWATER POLLUTION
D.C. has a combined sewer system, meaning that when there is heavy rainfall, sewage is deposited into the rivers and creeks. Combined sewer overflow contaminates their habitats with lethal bacteria as well as lowering the high oxygen levels that are necessary for them to survive (DC Water 2020).
LACK OF AWARENESS
I surveyed 220 young D.C. residents. Out of those surveyed, only three individuals, or 1% had even heard of these amphipods.
URBAN AND SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT
Similar to the habitat surveys conducted before the construction of the Purple Line, threat-level research on the Hay’s spring and Kenk’s amphipod must be done for any construction in and around the amphipod habitats.
LACK OF RESEARCH
Currently, the technique used to survey the Kenk’s amphipod is detrimental to its species as the sampled individual must be killed for identification. Amphipod expert Dr. Culver also emphasized that “there needs to be more research done on the Hay’s spring and Kenk’s amphipods in order to accurately assess their risk of extinction”