Healthy coastal ecosystems
Municipal Guide to Clean Water
Tourism and the shellfish industry are both integral components of the Maine economy and way of life. Yet elevated fecal bacteria levels in coastal waters may pose a human health risk, leading to closures of valued beaches and shellfish growing areas.
The Kennebec Celebration
Formerly known as the Spring Running, the KENNEBEC CELEBRATION is heading into its seventh year as an annual festival geared towards “Celebrating the Spring Running and Life In, On and Along the Kennebec River.” The event is free, family-friendly and typically takes place on the second Saturday in June on the grounds of Old Fort Western and the East Side Boat Launch in downtown Augusta.
Rainbow Smelt Survey
The goal of this project, led by the Maine Department of Marine Resources, is to conserve and restore wild populations of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), within the U.S. Gulf of Maine watershed. This anadromous fish is listed by the National Marine Fisheries Service as a species of concern as a result of over-harvest, water quality and habitat degradation, inaccessibility of spawning grounds, and possible disease issues.
Microbial Source Tracking in Two Southern Maine Watersheds
Each year, bacterial contamination forces the closure of hundreds of acres of clam flats in southern Maine. These are the same bacteria that can pose a health risk at popular swimming beaches. Fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria are used as indicators that other, more harmful, pathogens may be present in coastal waters. But since wildlife, domestic animals, and humans can all be sources of fecal coliform, it is difficult for managers to identify the exact source of the bacteria.
Maine Healthy Beaches Program
The Maine Healthy Beaches (MHB) Program is a statewide effort to monitor water quality and protect public health on Maine’s coastal beaches. Funded by a $255,000 grant from US EPA, the MHB Program is a unique partnership involving municipalities, state parks, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension/Sea Grant, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and citizen volunteers. Beaches are monitored using quality assured methods and the monitoring effort established through this program helps ensure Maine's coastal beaches are safe and healthy places to recreate.
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About University of Maine Cooperative Extension
UMaine Extension is part of the nationwide Cooperative Extension System, which works through the land-grant universities in each U.S. state. In addition to our state offices in Orono, we have a network of county-based offices staffed by experts who provide practical, locally based solutions for farmers, small business owners, kids, parents, consumers, and others. We receive support through USDA, the University of Maine, and Maine county governments.
