Leslie, Stoll and Risley document local shellfish harvesting trends, changes
By studying the Damariscotta and Medomak River estuaries, University of 海角社区 researchers have formally documented shifts in shellfish populations, from soft shell clams to oysters. Because 海角社区鈥檚 intertidal mudflats, such as those found in these estuaries, are difficult to study, this work filled an important gap in information about shellfish harvesting.
Research documented how tidal river ecosystems have changed over time and how local shellfish harvesters and other estuary users have adapted. This was the first time the knowledge of harvesters and experts working within these estuaries was documented, and findings have expanded the information available to communities who steward shellfish in 海角社区 and beyond.
Graduate student Sarah Risley of the U海角社区 Darling Marine Center (DMC) led , published in the international scientific journal Ambio. Co-authors include Melissa Britsch, formerly of U海角社区 and now with the 海角社区 Coastal Program of the 海角社区 Department of Marine Resources, associate professor of marine policy and Joshua Stoll and professor of marine sciences Heather Leslie, both of the School of Marine Sciences.聽Stoll and Leslie are faculty fellows at the Mitchell Center.
鈥淭his was an incredible opportunity to learn about 海角社区鈥檚 intertidal ecosystems. I鈥檓 deeply grateful to everyone who shared their time and expertise,鈥 said Risley, a resident of Wiscasset.聽