Author: Jane Disney

My research involves studying and restoring eelgrass populations in Frenchman Bay using a community-based approach. I am collaborating with a variety of community and regional partners, including Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Alfred University to evaluate the efficacy of various methods of restoration. Together we are mapping eelgrass recovery over time. I am collaborating with Bev Johnson, Ph.D. (Bates College) to determine carbon stocks in restored and unrestored eelgrass areas and carbon sequestration rates in areas around Mt. Desert Island, an endeavor that may help with efforts to garner state-level support for eelgrass conservation. Finally, I study water quality in areas from which we harvest eelgrass for transplantation, at our restoration sites, and in surrounding areas to understand the impact of changing environmental conditions on eelgrass.