The Nearshore Marine Resources Program Team has been busy launching their new initiative of Long-Term Intertidal Monitoring. This monitoring is set up to initially gather baseline ecological data along the coast, and as we move into the future, will ideally link ecological changes along the coast to environmental changes such as warming waters.
Twelve locations have been selected along the coast, representing a variety of conditions and the presence of different species. These conditions include flats that are open to shellfish harvesting as well as closed to harvest, inlets that are extremely sheltered, and those that are exposed. Each site will be visited monthly and quantitative surveys will be conducted.
In alternating months, surveys will be conducted for infaunal species (softshell clams, quahogs, razor clams, surf/hen clams, blood worms, sandworms, milky ribbon worms) or species living on hard substrates (rockweed, American oysters, European oysters, blue mussels, periwinkles, dog whelks). Surveys for green crabs and other crab species will be conducted monthly, as these mobile organisms are expected to show more seasonal variability.
Additionally, during these quantitative surveys for the above target species, the presence of all other (non-target) species will be noted within survey areas. Initially, these surveys will show us the difference in species distribution geographically across the state, and over time, they will allow us to monitor changes in the abundance and distribution of intertidal species throughout the state.
Additionally, we will deploy temperature loggers just below and just above the surface of the mud to log both the mud temperature and the water/air temperature. Grant funding has been awarded through the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership Resilience and Monitoring Grant Program to purchase salinity and dissolved oxygen sensors to deploy in Brunswick and Cumberland. These sensors will be used as a pilot project to determine their suitability for intertidal deployment.
If successful, additional funding will be sought in the future to expand this data collection to other monitoring sites.
Location of 12 Long Term Intertidal Monitoring Sites along the coast.
On March 12, 2025 , two Sears Island bills LD 226 & LD 735 came before the Maine Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources committee:
Below listen to mp3s of the voices of Committee members, bills' sponsor Represenstive Reagan Paul. and then supporters, detractors and NeitherFor Nor Against-ers NFNA . (mp3s) More to come
In 2021 ENGO Upstream Watch explores Penobscot Baykeeping
BACKGROUND
UW was approached by Ron Huber executive director of Waterkeeper Alliance affiliate Friends of Penobscot Bay, in April 2021 to inquire about UW’s ability to take over the Baykeeper duties in light of his impending retirement.
UW’s board has approved a formal exploration of this issue, including financial implications, as the current Baykeeper operates as a self-funded individual. UW’s current scope of service is Little River, Goose River, Belfast Harbor, and coastal Northport.
PROPOSAL
We are actively exploring the possibility that UW will take responsibility for protection of Penobscot Bay and its watersheds. While this would significantly expand UW’s geographic reach, the protection of local watersheds is the core of our mission and is well-served by our experiences, knowledge, and existing relationships.
An additional, strengthening element to this proposal would be a collaboration with an as yet not formed Penobscot Riverkeeper in order to maximize impact, geographic reach, and to take advantage of organizational, fundraising, grassroots support, and advocacy synergies. Ideally the Riverkeeper partner would be identified by the Penobscot Nation and we will create a full proposal collaboratively.
STRATEGIES
Our key strategies may include, but are not limited to:
Identify, catalog, assess, and plan to address the wide variety of current, legacy, and emerging threats to the Penobscot River system and Bay. This may include:
Hiring appropriate scientific and legal support,
Strategizing with legislators to meet our goals and organizing to protect against harmful legislative developments.
Initiating and maintaining monitoring, reporting, and documentation programs.
Form an organizational coalition with existing and new ally organizations to identify who can address which priorities, where we can collaborate better, and how to best gather and share resources for maximum impact.
Maintain active involvement in permitting, litigation, monitoring, legislation, and all other areas that pose a threat to the health of the Penobscot Bay watershed.
Energize a network of grassroots activists, volunteers, citizen scientists, and advocates to support watershed health.
Possible Staffing Configuration
2 to 4 part-time employees including a Penobscot Baykeeper, Penobscot Riverkeeper, and other communications, administrative, or fundraising support.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Partners may include, but are not limited to:
(gray= not yet approached)
Sierra Club, already supportive
Penobscot Nation
Friends of Belfast Bay
Down East Salmon Federation
Atlantic Salmon Federation
Trout Unlimited
Sportsman’s alliance of Maine
Coastal Mt LT
Isleboro Islands Landtrust
Environmental Priorities Coalition Members
others
NEXT STEPS
Invite Penobscot Nation to be involved in the project, shape its development, and name their needs;
Develop mutually agreed upon work plan with specific objectives, resource needs (budget), ideal staffing configuration, and action steps;
Build a wider grassroots and organizational coalition around the draft work plan; and
Approach funding organizations, individuals, and other types of supporters.
QUESTIONS
Should Penobscot Bay/Riverkeeper be a project of UW? A coalition? A new 501c3 org?
How will decision making work?
What can the Waterkeepers international organization do to assist these projects?
