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Description

For over a decade, community-guided monitoring of the Bagaduce River and Estuary in Hancock County, ME has focused on understanding system ecology with studies focusing on recruitment and predation of softshell clam; impacts of invasive species including green crab; identification of point-sources of fecal contamination; assessments of species presence and abundance; and population counts following fish passage restoration. As well as contributing to a more robust scientific understanding of the ecosystem, these efforts are contributing socially to increased community awareness of the health of the Bagaduce. Efforts to study the Bagaduce are also generating opportunities for local students from the elementary to college level, as well as creating engagement with local non-profit organizations. The Bagaduce River and Estuary have experienced significant changes over past decades, including significant declines in abundance of softshell clams and resultant harvester income, and the return of historically significant species (alewife) following fish passage restoration. Changes within the system baseline are also continuing and include sea level rise and increased storm surge as well as declines in ice cover during warming winters. The Corning School of Ocean Studies (OS) at Maine Maritime Academy offers three majors which afford opportunities for direct student engagement with the Bagaduce system. Within OS, we are continuing to collaborate and engage with community partners, with a range of proposed and upcoming projects. Through the opportunity to continue to work collaboratively within the Bagaduce ecosystem, our students gain tremendous opportunities to contribute to the understanding, protection and restoration of this local ecosystem.

Publication Date

10-28-2024

Community Engagement to Understand, Protect and Restore the Bagaduce River Estuary

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