Jennifer Atkinson
Quebec-Labrador Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 335
Waldoboro, ME 04572
207.832.8109
jatkinson@qlf.org

Atkinson calls circulation “the geography of the ocean,” because it influences virtually every aspect of a marine area. Yet local circulation dynamics are not always understood, hampering our ability to manage local uses and monitor movements of marine organisms. For example, Muscongus Bay produces over one-quarter of the clam landings in Maine, making the area vulnerable to pollution and harmful algal blooms. Muscongus Bay is also among the most productive lobster fisheries in Maine. Circulation data would inform management of shellfish growing areas and wastewater treatment, as well as provide data to researchers studying lobster population dynamics.

Muscongus Bay is the focus of an intensive local effort to characterize a nearshore marine area. Many of the bay’s environmental features have been mapped, and project partners have GIS capacity to share circulation data. Sea Grant funds are supporting a pilot study of circulation in the bay using drifters and GPS tracking.

1-year project
Total: $5,000