Sustaining the Saco Estuary

Sustaining the Saco Estuary Final ReportA research team from the University of New England, led by Chris Feurt and Pam Morgan, recently published a report on the work they completed under the NSF EPSCoR Sustainability Solutions Initiative grant. The report, titled, “Sustaining the Saco Estuary”, is focused on the ten-kilometer long estuarine portion of the Saco River which lies below the first dam on the river and features a variety of coastal habitats, including tidal wetlands, rocky outcrops, sand beaches and mudflats.

Researchers and stakeholders partnering through the project were interested in understanding how the current social and economic characteristics of the region connected to the ecosystem health of the estuary. Using videos and photographs, student researchers identified and documented the ways people use the estuary for livelihoods and recreation and how businesses depend upon the health of the estuary. Student research was augmented by a Maine PBS documentary focusing on the changes in the Saco Estuary resulting from changes in policies and management. During the project, students learned from local officials and community leaders about the mechanisms used by governments, businesses and organizations to understand and protect the ecological, social and economic values of the estuary. Five years of researcher, student and stakeholder engagement activities helped to build a shared understanding about ways to manage and protect the natural assets of the estuary, build a resilient economy connected to those natural assets and conserve the rich cultural heritage linked to the estuary.

This report presents the results of each aspect of the research, stakeholder engagement, education and outcomes of this research.