 MIT Sea Grant produces the Hitchhikers Guide to Exotic Species, a guide to spotting non-native invader species. Download a copy in PDF format. Waterproof guides are also available here
The Massachusetts Bays Program is a partnership of citizens, communities and government that strives to protect and enhance the coastal health and heritage of Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays
The New England Aquarium's hotline for any stranded marine animal is (617) 973-5247
All reports of living or dead marine animals should be reported to the hotline #, which is manned 24/7. Land animals and marine birds should be reported to town/city animal control.
What to do
More info
Northeast Seafood Watch
A program of Monterey Bay Aquarium designed to raise consumer awareness about the importance of buying seafood from sustainable sources.
NEW: Seafood watch by text message: text the word: "FISH" and the fish type to 30644 (normal text rates apply)
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Eelgrass beds stabilize bottom sediment and serve as habitat for many marine creatures. Historically, disease and poor water quality have greatly reduced the amount of eelgrass growing in New England waterways. Recent water quality improvements from sewage treatment projects have created conditions more conducive to eelgrass survival. Under such circumstances, manual restoration of eelgrass can speed up the re-colonization process by decades.
Participation in this project by local citizens is welcome, not only for the practical help it provides, but to create a sense of ownership and stewardship among participants that will help ensure the long-term protection of this important resource. Also, various labor-intensive aspects of eelgrass restoration become much more feasible when volunteer assistance is utilized. In turn, volunteers can provide valuable knowledge about local conditions that can be of use to scientists. Volunteers who are versed in aquatic or non-aquatic disciplines will be welcomed: e.g., SCUBA divers, snorkelers, kayakers, shoreline assistants.
Massachusetts
SeaGrass Soundings - focuses on the work that scientists and managers are doing to protect, preserve, study, restore and monitor seagrass (for the most part eelgrass, Zostera marina) in Massachusetts.
Department of Marine Fisheries Habitat Project
SeaGrassNet.org - A worldwide ecological monitoring program that investigates and documents the status of seagrass resources and the threats to this important and imperilled marine ecosystem
Narragansett Bay (Save the Bay)
What is eelgrass and why is it important?
Threats
Restoration Sites
Life in the eelgrass beds
What you can do!
READ: Seagrass Restoration Strategy Report
SEE: Map of eelgrass beds in the Narragansett Bay
DOWNLOAD: Complete Eelgrass Mapping Report
Have more questions about eelgrass? Contact Robbie at rhudson@savebay.org or 401-272-3540, x117.
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