The Kennebec Estuary is where the fresh waters that flow into Merrymeeting Bay and out along the lower Kennebec River meet and mix with the salty water of the Gulf of Maine. A rich and diverse habitat, it is important to understand natural and human-made impacts on this environment, especially as the estuary supports various fishing and tourism industries in the region.
Since 2012, more than 20 volunteers have helped to collect 526 water samples from 19 sites in the Kennebec Estuary for KELT's volunteer sampling program. Information collected and measured by volunteers about temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH will be shared during the fall lecture along with what the numbers mean for Kennebec Estuary waters.
Dr. LaVigne and her students will share the results of a study they have carried out measuring the effect of acidity on clam flats in the Kennebec Estuary. The students tested characteristics of the mud, clams, and water at sites that range from fresh to very salty waters. Shellfish harvesters are interested to discover if low pH (or acidic) conditions are a problem on their town flats and if they should try to counteract the acidity by adding crushed clam shells.
KELT's water sampling program started as a collaboration between KELT, Maine Department of Marine Resources, and local shellfish committees three years ago when the priority was opening shellfish flats to clam diggers. By 2013, many of the highest priority shellfish flats that could be open, were opened for harvesting. At that point, KELT expanded the focus on the greater estuary waters to learn more about the characteristics that describe the quality of water, i.e. temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH. These parameters had not previously been recorded in a consistent way. Through collaborations with local schools, universities, and municipal shellfish committees, KELT also continues to work with local clammers to focus on the environmental factors that impact shellfish populations—ocean acidification and invasive green crabs.
A $5.00 donation is suggested for the evening lecture. The Maine Maritime Museum is located at 243 Washington Street in Bath. The lecture is generously sponsored by Bath Savings Trust Company and Merrymeeting Bay Trust.
The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting the land, water and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary. It maintains ten preserves for public enjoyment and has protected 2,668 acres of land since founding in 1989. FMI visit www.kennebecestuary.org or call (207) 442-8400.
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