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Extension Projects

Recreational Island Monitoring

As interest in recreational opportunities on Maine's public and private islands continues to grow, recreation management will increasingly depend on science-based information about the relationship between island use and island conditions. Natalie coordinates the new multi-organization island monitoring task force, whose goal is to develop science-based island monitoring methods that will help managers and island owners achieve their island management objectives.

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.

Cooperative State of Maine Survey of Atlantic Halibut in Groundfish Closed Areas in the Eastern Gulf of Maine


The overall objective of the program is to contribute to the protection and rebuilding of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, by enabling the collection and analyses of basic biological and ecological data essential for the long-term sustainable management of this species.

The Spring Running

The Spring Running is an outdoor festival in Augusta, Maine, designed to focus attention on the Kennebec River and its value as a natural resource to the people of the region. It has a strong emphasis on stewardship and education, but also serves as an economic development opportunity, in the belief that good environmental ethics and a vibrant economy go hand in hand.

 

Use of Positively Buoyant Ground Cables and Sweep to Reduce Seabed Contact and to Enhance Species Selectivity

This project is a collaboration with Capt. Kelo Pinkham of Boothbay, and aims to modify a bottom trawl and associated gear to reduce the contact with the seabed, and to decrease the retention of flatfish in catches targeting cod and haddock. Dana Morse and the team will travel to the Flume Tank facility at Memorial University in Newfoundland for testing of a model trawl system, and then build a full-scale prototype. Field trials will commence in the spring of 2007 from Capt. Pinkham's boat, F/V Jeanne C.

Building on Promise

Building on Promise: Continued investigation in using a 4-seam bottom trawl to improve escapement of small haddock and cod.

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.

KEYS: Our Future by Design

In the last five + years, the boom of the housing market in the greater Boston area has priced out many, pushing them further and further south, west and north of the city. Being within 60 miles of downtown Boston, southern York county Maine has experienced extreme development pressure during this timeframe, resulting in sprawling development patterns. Maine has historically been the most economically challenged of the New England states and sprawl has increased pressure on the limited fiscal state and municipal resources.

Beach Profile Monitoring

The Beach Profile Monitoring Program's success can be credited to more than 150 community and school volunteers. Coordinated by staff at Maine Sea Grant, volunteers monitor beaches on a monthly basis throughout the year. The program was established in 1999 at seven beaches with funding provided by Maine Sea Grant to geologists at the University of Maine and Maine Geological Survey. Over the years, the program has continued to expand and now includes 15 beaches between York and South Portland. Volunteers use a simple surveying technique to measure the contour of their beaches.

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