1. Visual Observation and Demonstration of a Lobster Trap in a Fouling Community
Participants were shown a lobster trap that is part of a study to determine what types of surfaces marine species prefer to attach to (vertical, horizontal, rough, smooth, etc.). Ongoing monitoring compares and counts non-native tunicates, sponges, crabs, vegetation, and other species. The lobster trap is observed once a month from May-September. Study results will reveal dominant species and which species are competing for land space.
2. Casco Bay Ferry Ride
The 986 square-mile bay is a very healthy system with good water quality. The water is saltier than most bays, which makes it perfect for lobster fishing. There are 856 marine species in the bay and 150 bird species visit the bay.
Willard Beach in South Portland is monitored by the Maine Healthy Beaches Program. Heavy rain events force untreated raw sewage into the bay and lead to occasional swimming advisories at the beach. Untreated sewage and direct release of pollutants are the greatest negative impacts to the beach and bay.
Fore River and dock areas are sources of polluted sediment. Contaminant levels go up as turbidity increases. A study following a 1995 oil spill in the Fore River (Julienne) looked at the surrounding marshes and their recovery responses. A large number of polychaetes (Capitella spp.) were found. The study concluded that certain marshes faired well, while others did not. It is unknown if those mashes that did not recover well were suffering from the oil spill or another unknown source.
-- by Beth Callahan
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