Resources

“Project Immersion” is a whale curriculum guide from the Whale Center of New England in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The guide includes basic biology, the differences between baleen and toothed whales, migration patterns and conservation efforts. The variety of activities are geared to specific grade levels K to 8 and range from anatomy lessons to designing a marine sanctuary.

“Effects of Urbanization on Stream Quality at Selected Sites in the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire,” is a report released by the US Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New Hampshire Coastal Program to support local planning and conservation efforts. Ten sampling sites located in watersheds with similar characteristics, but varying in their degree of development, were selected for the study. Results show that sites with greater than 14 percent impervious surface in the watershed generally showed a decline in overall stream quality as indicated by physical, chemical, and biological sampling results. Concentrations of chemical constituents were found to be higher in watersheds with a high percent of impervious surface than in watersheds with a low percent of impervious surface. The report can be used to develop science-based projects and policies, such as riparian buffer projects or for setting impervious surface limits. It is available in PDF format. For more information on how to use the information for local projects, contact Sally Soule at (603) 559-0032, ssoule@des.state.nh.us; or Jeff Deacon, (603) 226-7812, jrdeadon@usgs.gov.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Gulf of Maine Coastal Program launched a new and improved Web site earlier this month. The Gulf of Maine Coastal Program, which builds partnerships to identify, restore and protect nationally important fish and wildlife habitat in the Gulf of Maine watershed, developed the site in conjunction with Headwaters Writing and
Design, based in Camden, Maine. It provides information for conservation partners, describes staff expertise, directs users to useful resources, describes funding sources and offers examples that can inspire action and provide direction.

The April/May issue of Coastal Connections, a publication of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Services Center, focuses on coastal ecosystem restoration. The issue looks at planning and assessment processes, how to engage public support and examples of restoration projects.

An on-line educational tool, “The Nonpoint Source Pollution Discovery Kit,” explains the history and types of pollution, the differences between point and nonpoint sources, and the ways scientists monitor, assess and control nonpoint source pollution. The tool is one of five Web-based discovery kits from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ocean Service.

The final report of an investigation into estuarine marsh trends over three time periods beginning in 1893 to 1995 - completed by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst - is the first of a three-part series designed to provide a statewide assessment of estuarine marsh trends. The areas covered in the first phase were Boston Harbor, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands. The wetlands class of estuarine marshes includes tidal emergent and tidal shrub-scrub wetlands, commonly known as "salt marshes." Available online in PDF format, the report describes the methods and results of the trend analysis and offers brief discussion on the findings.

"50 Ways to Save the Oceans," focuses on practical, easily implemented actions to protect and conserve the oceans. It also addresses issues such as toxic pollutant runoff; protecting wetlands and sanctuaries; saving reef environments; and replenishing fish reserves.

“50 Ways to Save the Gulf of Maine” is a colorful and lively look at the Gulf of Maine; its great water cycle, abundant marine life and as a destination for millions of tourists and nature lovers. "Its waters are so rich and productive that it has been called a 'garden in the sea,'" writes Jon Percy, the booklet's author. The publication, designed for grades six through 10, details the Gulf's water recycling process and such threats to its viability as sewage, lawn fertilizers, persistent organic pollutants and stormwater runoff. The final section lists 50 worthwhile ways to take action, learn about the watershed and teach others how to protect the Gulf. Produced by the Global Programme of Action Coalition for the Gulf of Maine the booklet is available in PDF format. Go to the following link and click on “GPAC Task Groups.”

© 2006 The Gulf of Maine Times