Project Description Determining the quantity and quality of seston present in Saco Bay is a key factor in evaluating its environmental carrying capacity for sustainable ecological aquaculture (SEA). This baseline data is being collected by SEANET through the use of the buoy network, field surveys, and laboratory analyses. This addresses the environmental carrying capacities of […]
Read more
Project Description Growth of filter-feeding bivalves (mussels, oysters, and clams) in nearshore environments is correlated to fluctuations in temperature, salinity, and food availability. This project utilizes historical data, data from the buoy network, sample data, and FVCOM model results as inputs for shellfish growth simulations using the ShellSIM model (Hawkins et al., 2012). This enables […]
Read more
Project Description Most models assume bivalve shellfish to be the equivalent of “aquatic cows,” grazing almost exclusively on standing stocks of phytoplankton and algae. Cultured bivalve species have an exceptional capacity to filter large volumes of water containing not only phytoplankton, but also zooplankton, detritus, and other suspended particulate matter (Ferriera et al., 2008). In […]
Read more
Project Description The coast of Maine is highly variable in terms of both geomorphology and levels of coastal development. Among SEANET bioregions, the Saco-Casco Bay areas have the highest human population density in the state. The Cobscook Region (Downeast) has little coastal development and low population densities. Understanding the detailed circulation patterns and consequent temperature, […]
Read more
Project Description The buoy network consists of four Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatories (LOBO), two Gulf of Maine Observing buoys, and a suite of small sensors, which are deployed in two to three estuaries per year. Each network is deployed for a year to collect environmental data during the full course of a bivalve growing season. The […]
Read more
*work in collaboration with industry partner, Todd Jagoutz Project Description Nutrient pollution can have substantial impacts on estuaries and bays within the Gulf of Maine. High nitrogen or phosphorous inputs can trigger large, unwanted microalgal blooms that produce low-oxygen zones. This kills fish and crustaceans, resulting in massive loss of eelgrass beds. The water also […]
Read more
Project Description The project aims to determine if sediment CaCO3 saturation state is a recruitment cue for settling marine bivalves employing Mya arenaria as a model species. Earlier work (on hard clams Mercenaria mercenaria) has shown sediment pH is correlated with numbers of settling bivalves, and there is an ‘active’ process of site selection where […]
Read more
Project Description Sediment processing of aquaculture biodeposits is a key factor in determining the carrying capacity of aquaculture operations. Sediment biogeochemical processes lead to the mineralization of biodeposits high in carbon and nitrogen content, and increase the flux of inorganic nutrients to the water column. The effect of aquaculture operations on water quality regarding sediment […]
Read more
Project Description Two significant challenges to offshore aquaculture are loading from storms and the costs of anchoring equipment at depth. Much of the anchoring expense is from installation, where barge/vessel size, a limited supply of advanced anchor installation equipment and expertise, and risk associated with over water operations drive costs. A critical objective for marine […]
Read more