Wednesday, July 22, 2015 02:00:00 PM EDT - 03:00:00 PM EDT
A special thank you to NOAA and the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington, DC for the invitation to make this presentation. The presentation can also be downloaded from our publications page.
When using concrete near wetland resources, easy techniques are implemented to protect ground water. Concrete and rinse water characteristics can create nutrient over loading. This publication includes green building techniques that protect ground water quality.
FREE PUBLICATION: Download "Concrete Management"
Plastic can be used to contain excess concrete
Plastic will prevent caustic water from entering ground water during footing pour
Concrete truck and pump truck on site
OCEAN: RESEARCH ARTICLE
There is evidence that the fisheries industry in the Gulf of Maine is changing which has become a challenge to the livelihood of fisherman. According to the Gulf of Maine Research institute the water temperatures in the area have increased by 0.26°C every year since 2004. As waters warm species travel north from their typical range to find preferential water temperatures.
The focus has generally been on cod, but this applies to all groundfish such as haddock, pollock and flounder which are typically managed together. It is believed that the cod are going to deeper offshore waters, but according to scientist John Annala, it is a bit of a mystery as to where they have gone as they aren’t showing up in surveys, including ones done in Canada. Fish from the Mid-Atlantic region have started moving north into the Gulf of Maine. The species that are being found most often include butterfish, long fin squid, black sea bass and summer flounder.
While it seems that the fisheries industry would be alright as they could just switch to fishing different species, it is more complicated than that. Different types of fish require different types of equipment to catch, which can be very costly. Also, management practices are not in place for species that have not typically been found in the area. There has also been an increase in lobster to the area, which would seem beneficial, but there has been an increase in lobsters that are shedding which sell for much less than the hard shell version.
Ecological issues can arise when new species move into an unusual territory. The new species may compete with the historical species for food and habitat and there may be a lack of predators in the new range to keep the new species in check. While some species may change their range, it is possible that they begin to change their habits to account for the change in temperature. Examples include feeding at different times of day or shifting diets to account for loss of previous diet staples. It is possible that the whole food web of an area is altered and if equilibrium isn’t reached the ecosystem could crash. Shell fishermen have also noticed an invasive green crab that has moved north with the warming waters and has become an unchecked predator. Phytoplankton are also affected by temperature. In the ‘90s there was an influx of cold water that caused the phytoplankton to thrive, leading to increased numbers of zooplankton and herring (Jacobson).As the water warms, phytoplankton, the base level of the food web, could be disrupted causing instability in subsequent levels. As the stability of the ecosystem decreases due to changing climate and species composition, it becomes more likely that it will not recover in the face of rapid change (Jacobson).
Thank You to OCEAN Researcher Nicole Smith
For more information on climate change in Maine and how it will disrupt not only the marine fisheries, but biodiversity and economics throughout the entire state go to http://climatechange.umaine.edu/files/Maines_Climate_Future.pdf and read the University of Maine document “Maine’s Climate Future: An Initial Assessment.”
This year's winter shrimp fishery in Maine failed to produce. The shrimp fishery failure has significant economic impacts for coastal communities. The possible causes may be changing water temperatures, poor management decisions, or over fishing. The shrimp fishery targets female shrimp just before they lay their eggs. The greater question is what lies ahead, socially, economically, and ecologically.
“Where have all the shrimp gone?”
One of New England’s most historically prolific fisheries is now in jeopardy with an uncertain future. The shrimp industry, which has been predominately utilized by Maine fisherman for over half a century, may be facing a new threat that could potentially cease its existence as we know it. The 2013 season has been lining up to be one of the least productive in its history, and if it gives insight to the oncoming years, then its outlook is bleak.
Shrimp cultivation in the Gulf of Maine has not been without its fluctuations and modifications. It formally began in 1938, as an inshore winter fisheries. It subsequently expanded to an offshore, year round endeavor that peaked in 1969, collapsed in 1977, and shut down in 1978. As a result of these events, stricter management was enforced to stabilize the stock. This meant limiting the season to three months peaking in late winter, setting daily and yearly limits as to how much may be caught, and even stipulating how many days per week one could fish. Additionally, the stock biomass level, a number calculated to support maximum sustainable yield and prevent overfishing, is set and referenced for these quotas. Since there is such range from year to year, federal and state agencies work together to constantly assess and compromise in consideration of both the shrimp and fishermen’s interests.
Exploitation of North Atlantic fisheries had not been limited to shrimp. Sardine canneries were once a fecund business in the U.S. beginning in the 19th Century, with over 400 factories based in Maine alone. Consisting of multiple species of herring, these small fish packed together proved to be a lucrative endeavor providing jobs in Maine until 2010, when the last processing facility in the country closed its doors. This was attributed to a difficult combination of decrease in consumer demand and an increase in government regulations for cultivating these fish.
Despite all of these cautionary measures put into place to preserve this shrimp stock, there has been a steady decline of shrimp caught in recent years, and may be the worst since it bottomed out in the late 70’s. In 2011, 13.3 million pounds of shrimp were netted, followed by 5.3 million in 2012. This year fishermen have been struggling to even reach half of the substantially lower allowable quota of 1.4 million pounds. Prices are reflecting this “bust,” and are close to $3.00 more per pound than last year. Regulators have attempted to assist fishermen with this struggle by loosening stipulations but it has not initiated a positive effect.
Some may argue that this stock came close to (or even teetered on) the tipping point previously when it had crashed completely in 1977, but then successfully rebounded. However, this occurrence was attributed to overfishing practices that were then corrected to allow regrowth of the population. It is thought that this recent trend of population decline could be due to warming ocean temperatures, an environmental variable much more difficult to influence.
The life cycle and seasonal transitions of the Gulf of Maine northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) have been cited as to how the fishery is managed. Mature shrimp live offshore where they mate late summer to early fall. Mature females carry the embryos until they travel inshore to release the larvae. These spawning females are the main target of the fisheries because of location, quality and sustainability. The shallow position they dwell in throughout winter makes trawling easier and safer. These are the best quality because post-hatching females deteriorate in body condition. It maintains the specie’s viability due to the fact that these females spawn once and die, so the practice is not taking any productive females out of the ecosystems.
Through much research efforts it has been determined that this annual migration inshore is temperature dependent, meaning that changing oceanic temperatures would have a significant impact on these crustaceans. These northern shrimp have adapted to local temperatures and, accordingly, mating occurs to coincide with phytoplankton blooms. Phytoplankton is the main food source of the larvae, and being off by a slight period of time, even a week, has been argued to have a monumental impact. Female shrimp carry their eggs for almost half a year, and evolved to release hatchlings when food is most abundant. Eggs hatching too early lead to a poorer survival rate and these shrimp are not capable to adapt fast enough as temperatures drastically change.
The question at the forefront of this issue is: what is causing this temperature increase in our oceans? This is a controversial topic at present with convoluted hypotheses. Could it be the naturally occurring North Atlantic Oscillation or Arctic Oscillation links? Is it due to an anthropogenic global warming? There is much research being conducted to find out exactly what systems are active to cause these climate changes, and it is also logically possible that it could be a combination of nature and manmade influences. No matter what, a likely certainty if this “trend” continues is that the Gulf of Maine northern shrimp stock will not be the only shrimp fisheries negatively affected down the road and we must be prepared for what the future may hold if this is the case.
Thank you to OCEAN Researcher Brigid McKenna
Works Cited
Clark, Stephen, Steven Cadrin, Daniel Schick, Paul Diodati, Michael Armstrong and
David McCarron. “The Gulf of Maine Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) Fishery: a Review of the Record.” Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science 27 (2000): 193-226. Web.
http://www.masswildlife.com/dfwele/dmf/publications/2_clark_et_al.pdf
Gill, Victoria. “Shrimp tuned to ocean temperature.” BBC News, 7 May 2009. Web. 7
May 2009.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8037888.stm
“Gulf of Maine shrimp fishery goes bust.” Associated Press. Morning Sentinel, 13 Mar
2013. Web. 13 Mar 2013.
http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Gulf-of-Maine-shrimp-season-turns-into-a-bust.html
Richards, Anne, Jay O’Reilly and Maureen Taylor. “Oceanographic Indicators of Fishery
Management of Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis).” NOAA Research proposal (2006).
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/fate/proposal/06Richards.pdf
Rudalevige, Christine Burns. “Maxing out the mini season for Maine shrimp.” NPR.org
24 Jan 2013. Web. 24 Jan 2013.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/01/24/170157716/maxing-out-the-mini-season-for-maine-shrimp
Visbeck, Martin, James Hurrell, Lorenzo Polvanis and Heidi Cullen. “The North Atlantic
Oscillation: Past, present, and future.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 98.23 (2001): 12876-1877. Web. http://www.pnas.org/content/98/23/12876.full
http://www.fishwatch.gov/seafood_profiles/species/shrimp/species_pages/white_shrimp.htm
OCEAN: RESEARCH ARTICLE
In mid-November 2013, Cyclone Cleopatra tore through the Italian island Sardinia, exacting long lasting damage in a matter of hours. The intense extratropical cyclone poured almost 18 inches of rain in an hour and a half and nearly destroyed this beloved western Mediterranean tourist destination. When rivers broke their banks it caused flash floods that swept away cars, washed bridges out and took the lives of at least 18 people.
A cyclone, by definition, is a system of winds that rotate around a low pressure area. They belong to a low pressure storm family that are categorized as cyclones, typhoons or hurricanes depending on geographical region. There are a variety of cyclone magnitudes ranging from mild to severe, with the largest of the low pressure systems being cold core and, as in this circumstance, extratropical. These mid-latitude cyclones can occur any time and are present in both hemispheres, and during the winter and when severe they are generally called “nor’easters.” Extratropical cyclones form as waves along weather fronts, and favor warm sea surface temperatures and atmospheric instability. Cyclone Cleopatra developed from northern cold air entering the Mediterranean and interacting with humid warm air, and because of increased sea surface temperatures due to climate change, it is highly possible that global warming strengthened this system since the difference between air and water temperature would be larger than before.
There was no choice by Italian officials other than to declare a state of emergency for this region within 24 hours of Cyclone Cleopatra’s commencement. It has been estimated that over 2,000 people had been affected by this natural disaster and £17 million for emergency relief has been allocated by the Italian government. The northeastern port city Olbia was among the most severely hit, and areas had been submerged in almost 10 feet of water-ruining roads and destroying homes. For comparison, the amount of water that fell in 90 minutes is comparable to the rainfall in the city of Milan over 6 months. A local mayor deemed the storm “apocalyptic,” and experts have stated that this locale has not experienced a storm of this calibre in centuries. Other towns were hit by heavy rains as well coupled with gale force winds, and the heavy rains continued to threaten other parts of Italy, including Rome and Venice, while moving east days later.
The geography of Sardinia has been devastated by Cyclone Cleopatra with its heavy rainfall and winds up to 58 mile per hour. Crops were ripped up and mud was spread across the landscape, which will affect agriculture production indefinitely in the region. Sardinia’s road and bridge infrastructure have been broken and severely damaged. This will not only impede access for relief efforts in the area but also yield the high priority task of rebuilding and repairing immediately. Italy has been in a fiscal recession for over two years, so these responsibilities may have unforeseen consequence by taking a higher toll on the unstable government and complicating restoration plans.
There are bureaucratic complications to this tragedy as well. Italy has experienced more than two years of recession so may not be well prepared to deal with this unexpected crisis financially. An alert system was in effect but the efficiency of it is questionable since evacuation orders had been ignored and it has been said that the weather predictions were understated. Though this event was due to a variety of factors, the risk was said to have been heightened by faulty construction of buildings, especially in coastal areas, and need for better emergency planning.
Needless to say that Cyclone Cleopatra has left a long road of healing and repair for the people of Sardinia. With climate change being very real, and the anthropogenic contributions to it, the potential of this or storms like this occurring again seems to be likely. Hopefully better, advanced preparations for these devastating natural disasters will minimize future detrimental effects and mortalities.
Thank You to OCEAN Researcher Brigid McKenna
For more information:
http://guardianlv.com/2013/11/sardinia-cyclone-prompted-state-of-emergency-in-italy/
Recent studies have caused the FDA to think twice about the pervasive use of a common household bactericide, triclosan (Triclosan, 2012). Triclosan, which inhibits bacterial growth by specifically inhibiting an enzyme required for bacterial lipid biosynthesis (Levy, 1999), can be found in a wide variety of products from childrens’ toys to toothpastes and cosmetics (Triclosan, 2012). While one study has shown that triclosan can inhibit the growth of the parasite which causes malaria (Mcleod, 2001) and another has shown that it is effective in Colgate Total toothpaste in preventing gingivitis (Triclosan, 2012), there is no evidence which promises added health benefits in other products containing the chemical (Triclosan, 2012). Recent findings suggest that the chemical may be more harmful than beneficial. A study published in 2000 found that triclosan easily enters the bloodstream through dermal absorption (Howes et al, 2000). A study conducted in Sweden found the chemical in 3 out of 5 human breast milk samples as well as in fish exposed to wastewater (Adolfsson-Erici, 2002). Most recently, a team of researchers from the University of California, Davis has found that triclosan impairs the functioning of striated muscle cells in humans and whole muscles in mice and minnows (Cherednichenko, 2012). In human heart and skeletal muscle cells, the researchers found that contraction by electrical stimulation failed when the cells were in the presence of triclosan. In mice exposed to the chemical, a reduction in heart muscle function and grip strength was seen, while exposed minnows swam less effectively. The chemical appears to function by impairment of the calcium dynamics required for communication between two proteins required for muscle contraction (Stromberg, 2012). In light of these and other findings indicating potential negative health impacts, the FDA is “reviewing all of the available evidence on this ingredient’s safety in consumer products” (Triclosan, 2012).
Thank you to OCEAN researcher Lauren Bamford 03/09/2013
Read More at:
http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm205999.htm
Works Cited
Adolfsson-Erici, Margaretha. “Triclosan, a commonly used bactericide found in human milk and in the aquatic environment in Sweden.” Chemosphere 46 (2002): 1485-1489. Web. 9 March 2013.
Cherednichenko, Gennady. “Triclosan impairs excitation–contraction coupling and Ca2+dynamics in striated muscle.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America August (2012). Web. 9 March 2013.
Howes, D., Moss, T., and Williams, FM. “Percutaneous penetration and dermal metabolism of triclosan (2,4, 4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether).” Food and Chemical Toxicology April (2000). Web. 9 March 2013.
Levy, Colin W. “Molecular Basis of Triclosan Activity.” Nature 398 (1999): 383-384. Web. 9 March 2013.
Mcleod, R. “Triclosan inhibits the growth of Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii by inhibition of apicomplexan Fab I.” International Journal for Parasitology 31 (2) (2001): 109-113. Web. 9 March 2013.
Stromberg, Joseph. “Triclosan, A Chemical Used in Antibacterial Soaps, is Found to Impair Muscle Function.” Surprising Science. Smithsonian Mag., 13 August, 2012. Web. 9 March 2013.
“Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Updated 29 August 2012. Web. 9 March 2013.
SALT SPRAY ZONE PLANTS You are welcome to download your own copy of this new publication, by clicking on the link below. When the right forward quadrant of Hurricane Irene hit Cape Cod, we experienced an empirical vent of full wind but with no rain. This was an opportunity to assess salt impacts and survivability of native vegetation. We did a survey of direct and indirect impact sites and resurveyed the following spring. 6 pages of color photographs.
Synopsis:
Coastal salt spray events are unwelcome but may play critical roles in selecting sustainable coastal vegetation. Changing storm tracks will create new liabilities for overly diversified coastal habitats. This publication documents Hurricane salt spray impacts on native coastal vegetation.
Medium Exposure site was located 800 + ft inland from the surf line. Onshore salt spray had to cross small buildings, a 2 lane road, low vegetationand a 4 lane road, with little change in elevation. The area consisted of 6-12 ft, established native and other vegetation.
High Exposure was located 10-60 ft from the surf line. The area consisted of recently planted and established, 1 ft -5 ft high native vegetation. Onshore salt spray, had to cross a 7 foot high coastal bank to impact the vegetation on a level grade.
Hurricane Irene, Satellite Image
The Hurricane: In late August, 2011, Hurricane Irene, with a 500 mile diameter Tropical Storm Force wind field, passed west of Cape Cod. The low precipitation, right hand semi-circle impacted Cape Cod from the Southwest. 50+ mph winds bridged tidal cycles for 15 hours. Prolonged wind, coated leaves and stems of exposed coastal vegetation with salt.
Unmitigated by precipitation, this became an empirical, “worst case scenario” for exposed vegetation, and an opportunity to study salt stress.
Observations: Non-coastal natives were quickly dispatched by even the medium, albeit lengthy, exposure to salt spray. Established, native coastal plants, with the exception of Beach Plum, regained seasonal performance. Directly following the storm event, recent plantings of Rugosa Roses and Seaside Goldenrod presented the appearance of100% salt kill. 2 weeks later, they were sprouting new leaves. 3 weeks after exposure, previously established Seaside Goldenrod showed flower heads (See cover photo on page 1), followed by blooms on a few, previously established Rugosas. Existing and planted American Beach Grass had minimal impacts.
Reaction caused by Exposure to Toxic Plant
Toxic plant oils contain chemical markers (urushiol) which bond to cell membrane proteins, re-identifying our cells as targets for our own immune system. This can quickly become a significant health risk. This booklet identifies five toxic plants and explains our body’s mysterious response to their irritating properties. We recommend reading this booklet to prevent unpleasant experiences with Cape Cod vegetation.
Safe Harbor has made this well researched booklet public domain, please click on the link below for your free copy.
Cape Cod’s water resources, specifically its estuaries and drinking water supply, are at risk to impacts of excess nutrients found in waste water and fertilizers. Effects of excess nitrogen can include human health risks from consumption and causing eutrophication in coastal embayments. It is widely understood that a majority of the additional nitrogen is generated from wastewater, but more recently the use of fertilizers was recognized another controllable source. According to Buzzards Bay Coalition, fertilizer contribution can make up 5-15% of the excess nitrogen in certain impaired watersheds on Cape Cod.[i] Due to this, the use of fertilizers and the regulation of that usage have become contentious topics around the Cape Cod community. State and local officials, industry representatives, environmental organizations, and the private property owners have all joined in on the discussion to voice their opinions and concerns about fertilizer regulations.
In an effort to spearhead water resource protection efforts, the Town of Falmouth has taken further action at reducing nitrogen loading by passing a local bylaw regulating the use of fertilizer. On November 13th, 2012, a fertilizer bylaw was passed at Falmouth Town Meeting. The purpose of the bylaw as stated in Article 7 of the November 2012 Town Meeting Warrant is to “… to conserve resources and protect our environment by regulating the outdoor application of nitrogen in order to reduce the overall amount of excess nitrogen entering the town’s Resource Areas as defined in the Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Chapter 235; Section 2) and regulations.” The bylaw prohibits application of nitrogen-containing fertilizer between October 16th and April 14th of ever year, and would ban applications during heavy rain events or within 100 feet of water resources. There are several exemptions that include application of nitrogen for agriculture and horticulture uses; application of fertilizer to golf courses, except any application within water resource areas; application to gardens; and application for the establishment of new vegetation in the first growing season or repairing of turf.[ii]
The development of the Falmouth fertilizer bylaw began with the Falmouth Water Quality Management Committee (WQMC), established in 2011 by the Falmouth Board of Selectmen. You can find more information about the committee here: http://www.falmouthmass.us/waterq/web%20site/index.html
The WQMC consists of eight members with backgrounds in the areas of environmental science, water management, public health, natural resource management, and community planning and leadership. In the beginning stages of the bylaw development, the WMQC Technical Staff reviewed several reports and recommendations from other fertilizer studies conducted on Cape Cod. The group met with the Director of the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension for guidance and researched the Falmouth Friendly Lawns model released by the Preserve Falmouth’s Bays and Ponds community campaign.
The Water Quality Management Committee held several meetings to discuss specifics of the bylaw including how to regulate for maximum benefit of removal of nitrogen from going into estuaries. It was important for the group to gain public support and develop a bylaw that would be manageable and consistent for all parties involved. The WMQC met with all stakeholders including golf course managers, landscapers, Falmouth Association Concerned with Estuaries and Saltponds (FACES), and municipal leaders to discuss concerns for the bylaw and how it would impact each party. These discussions led to the exemptions and specific performance standards detailed in the bylaw. After working on several drafts, the WQMC voted on the final bylaw and brought it to the Falmouth Board of Selectmen who unanimously endorsed for Town Meeting vote. After the 2012 Falmouth Town Meeting, the bylaw was sent to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for approval. In May 2013, the MA Attorney General rejected the Falmouth bylaw stating that it “conflicts with a MA state law giving the MA Department of Agricultural Resources the authority to regulate fertilizer use.” [iii] Falmouth could still maintain its fertilizer bylaw if the House and Senate budget passes, as an exemption for the bylaw was included in the language.
There are other initiatives for reducing excess nitrogen by fertilizer use on Cape Cod. In September 2013, the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates designated a Cape-wide Fertilizer Management District of Critical Planning Concern (DCPC) under the Cape Cod Commission Act.
You can find additional information about the DCPC here: http://www.capecodcommission.org/index.php?id=140&maincatid=131 Also, the Town of Orleans Board of Selectmen adopted a town policy to reduce fertilizer use on Town-owned land.
Thank You to OCEAN Researcher Katherine Garofoli
DER Coastal Projects Update Herring River, Wellfleet
UPDATE AUGUST 2012:
The largest proposed salt marsh restoration project on the North Atlantic Coast has just been updated. Read the excerpt from the department of environmental resources' latest newsletter posted below. Safe Harbor supports salt marsh restoration. Safe Harbor director, Gordon Peabody was chair of the Herring River Technical Committee which reviewed all previous technical information regarding the river and developed the conceptual restoration plan. More information regarding development of that plan can be found elsewhere within this post, and the Herring River category.
Herring River Estuary July 4, 2004
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Report for this large-scale restoration project, which would restore tidal flow to an approximately 1,000 acre area in and along the Herring River estuary, is scheduled to be released in October, and public informational meetings about, and a comment period on, the project are expected to be scheduled shortly thereafter. This is the largest tidal estuary restoration ever undertaken in Massachusetts and the North Atlantic coast of the United States. DER has served as a core project partner over the past decade and has contributed substantial technical and financial resources to support project development.
“The once proud and economically supportive herring river on Cape Cod, being forced to “Breathe through a straw” with grossly undersized culverts, for 100 years. Social influences diked this 1,200 acre river system and social influences will be required to give this river back it’s voice. ”
In the meantime, the Friends of Herring River have produced Return of the Tides: The Herring River Restoration Project, a video developed to educate the public about the value of a healthy salt marsh estuary and the expected benefits or restoring the historic tidal flow of the Herring River Estuary. For thousands of years, this estuary was highly productive and provided feeding and nursery habitat for commercially important fish and shellfish, cycled nutrients and sediment to improve water quality, produced salt hay for animal fodder, and buffered storm surges. Then, throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, road and railroad dikes were built across the river’s floodplain, bisecting the salt marshes and dramatically altering natural tidal patterns. In addition to the group’s website, Return of the Tides may also be viewed on Vimeo and (with subtitles) on an electronic bulletin board at the Beach Sticker Office in Wellfleet. [Click here and here for additional info on this project.]
The diked Herring River estuary in Wellfleet, Massachusetts is being considered for restoration. Nearly 100 years ago, the 1,200 acre salt marsh system was reduced to 7 acres. Upper reaches of historic Cape Cod tidelands stretch four miles North into the town of Truro. During the past 100 years, the ecological values of the salt marsh have degraded. Upland vegetation began invading the flood plain. Lack of flushing contributed to low levels of dissolved oxygen. Acidic conditions supported mosquitoes and high levels of bacteria. Fish kills and routine closures of adjacent shellfish beds eventually received attention. In August of 2005, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between the town of Wellfleet and the Cape Cod National Seashore, detailed the process for considering restoration.
This map identifies roadway culverts we are studying, in the flood plain.
This map depicts some of the earliest records of the Herring River estuary system.
A Stakeholder Committee was appointed, to solicit local concerns about potential restoration. A Technical Committee was formed to study the existing scientific information available on the Herring River's existing conditions. The Technical Committee was also directed to respond to Stakeholder issues and make a recommendation on the feasibility of restoration to the Wellfleet Board of Selectmen. In January, 2006, the Wellfleet Board of Selectmen reviewed the Full Report of the Technical Committee.
The Technical Committee's report recommended "that tidal restoration of the Herring River Salt Marsh is feasible and will provide numerous and substantial public benefits" The recommendation continued, "....significant improvements in water quality would provide subsequent public health, recreational, environmental and economic benefits.". Specifically included was "a new structure capable of full tidal restoration....incorporating controlled gates to provide incremental increases in tidal exchange. This would allow for well thought out management, supervision, monitoring and evaluation."
A brush meadow in the diked river's flood plain. Upland vegetation has intruded into salt marsh habitat.
The expected future vista of the previous brush meadow photo. Careful management and planning will allow for removal of vegetation before it is killed by salt water. Sun light must be able to reach the marsh surface for restoration to be possible.
Related Links:
http://www.capecodtimes.com/article/20141201/NEWS/141209992/0/SEARCH
http://www.capecodtimes.com/article/20150204/NEWS/150209663/0/SEARCH
Want More Information?
1. Numerous additional documents are available upon request. Please contact Gordon Peabody at 508-237-3724 or click here gordonsafeharbor@yahoo.com
2. For access to most recent documents, such as agendas, draft plans, minutes and chairman's notes, go to the CURRENT DOCUMENTS page, at the very top of this page.
3. Restoration Brochure, background and general information. Just click on the link below to read the brochure.
Bee Gathering nectar, and collecting pollen
The European Food and Safe Authority are so concerned that they set a two year moratorium and are enforcing guidelines as to what levels of exposure are acceptable for two specific insecticides: acetamiprid and imidacloprid. Though the UK tried to appeal this decision this office represents the European Union thus enforced across the continent. These relatively new pesticides may specifically affect the development of neurons and brain structures active in learning and memory, as preliminary results showed in newborn rat studies. More data needs to be collected in order to develop appropriate thresholds, which is alarming in and of itself since these health risks have not been regulated enough prior.
In 2002, US’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted that acetamiprid is applied on leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, pome fruits, grapes, cotton and ornamental plants and flowers to control sucking type insects, with restrictions of about half a pound per acre per season. Unfortunately under health findings it is noted to cause “generalized, nonspecific toxicity and did not appear to have specific target organ toxicity.” So though it was deemed harmful the extent was not pursued and currently acetamiprid is used on cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, peas, plums and tree nuts both national and as an export from the US. Of those, the EU refuses tree nuts and apricots from America because levels of the toxin exceed appropriate levels.
It is also possible that the widespread uses of these neonicorticoids have contributed to the decline in bees seen in recent years. The ongoing mysterious mass loss of bees that could have an immense domino effect globally may have an answer in these very same products. These toxins are thought to not kill the bees outright, but it is thought that they impair and disorientate them leading to their demise in mass or make them more susceptible to viruses. This year an Oregon state representative will introduce legislation to ban certain neonicotinoids, including imidacloprid, to reduce anthropogenic bee deaths.
There has been growing support in the United States to ban the neonicotinoid pesticides through lawsuits and legislations, and hopefully the US will follow Europe’s sustainable lead and not risk its inhabitants, big and small, soon.
More Info:
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/131217.htm
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-099050_15-Mar-02.pdf
Download "Dirty Dozen 2nd Edition"
Native plants co-evolved with native insects and animals to transfer plant biomass inti protein biomass, which fuels ecosystems. Invasive (non-native) plants did not co-evolve with insects and animals and do not because their plant biomass rarely gets transferred to protein biomass, the presence of invasive vegetation neuters invaded ecosystems.
Safe Harbor Intern Vida, removing Queen Ann's Lacebefore it goes to seed. This invasive plant was originally brought to this country as a wild carrot.
Invasive plants are fast growing. They easily out compete native vegetation for nutrients, sunlight and moisture. This crowds out native species and reduces native plant biodiversity. Reductions in native plant population stress native animals by reducingfood and shelter options. This overallpattern creates economic impacts.
Large and small scale removal of invasive plants must be matched with re-planting of native species or using encouragement strategies for native plants. Otherwise the invasives will simply reappear. Large scale invasive plant removal should be done with a three year management plan, to give slower growing native vegetation the chance to become dominant. We have also developed several innovative strategies for encouraging resurgence of native vegetation.
A warning to homeowners removing invasive vegetation themselves: please DO NOTput the removed vegetation in compost piles! This will spread the seeds to dozens of other homes. Bag the removed plants and dispose of them with household trash. On Cape Cod, our trash is incinerated to produce electricity.
View Entire Publication: CHATHAM SUMMER 2011
Haiti Water Project Final Report, May 8, 2011
by Gordon Peabody, Director of Safe Harbor Environmental , May 2011
Belle Vue, Haiti image by Joe "Bones"
Because it has always been available to us, we rarely pause to consider how critical water is or what it would be like to live without safe drinking water. I believe drinking water may also become an ever more expensive commodity, as multi national corporations engage in efforts to control our source aquifers. One way to protect resources is through reuse and water is a perfect example. We had been researching nano technology for several months and printed an article in OCEAN Environmental newsletter on nano filters revolutionizing water purification.
When I realized how much bottled water was being shipped to Haiti and how expensive it was to ship the water, I felt that we should explore a more sustainable alternative, such as sending water filters. A gallon of water costs approximately $ 4 to ship to Haiti (in pallets of 1,700 half liter bottles). This does not reflect the costs of bottling, handling, distribution and disposal of plastic bottles or the carbon footprint of bottling, delivery and distribution. Kristyna researched the new technology for us and discovered a filter, produced by a church organization in Texas, that cost approximately $20.00.
For what it would cost to ship 5 gallons of water to Haiti, we would be able to send a filter that could produce up to 70 gallons a day, for up to a year. Each day of use would save hundreds of dollars in shipping costs. Over the course of a year, the savings could be better spent on other relief supplies. People caught up in complex distribution efforts would now be able to build homes and schools. Sending cases of filters could provide enough savings to rebuild schools. We ordered our first case.
We needed to try and get as many filters in use as possible because cholera was beginning to make inroads. My sister Deborah offered to contact local churches and see if they would donate a few filters. The Provincetown Banner wrote an article on what we were trying to accomplish. The results were unexpected. To date we have received donations of just over $4,000.
Getting the filters safely into a chaotic region with no infrastructure and no addresses was another challenge We had a friend, working with an international aid organization, building schools and tent homes, in the areas hit by earthquake and hurricane. He advised us not to ship anything to Haiti. He was expected to return to the Cape briefly in December and offered to hand deliver filters for us. That return to Cape Cod was interrupted by riots and passport issues. He reported to us that he was barricaded in a Port au Prince schoolyard. Things were beginning to get complicated, we had cases of water filters outside our office in Wellfleet and our courier was barricaded in a schoolyard in Haiti. I asked Kristyna Smith, the Safe Harbor researcher who had originally discovered the filters, to step in as project coordinator. Smith is an Orleans resident who was a psychology major at Framingham State. Kristyna suddenly had a lot of work.
Through Pru Sowers, the Provincetown Banner reporter who had written about our project, we were contacted by a pilot who delivered medical supplies across Haiti. The pilot gave us links to some church groups with members who regularly traveled to the Port au Prince area. This information was passed on to Kristyna, We developed some guidelines: the filters needed to go to areas suffering from both the earthquake and the hurricane. we had to locate trusted couriers; and another tricky part, the couriers, who would be mostly members of church groups around the country, had to be willing to smuggle these filters into Haiti in their luggage. This last detail was necessary to avoid a $100 luggage surcharge and avoided “complicated package inspections”. We intended to keep these filters off the black market.
Many of our filters went to schools, directly to teachers or through people building the schools. We know our filters are currently being used in approximately 17 small villages the church groups went to. Two cases of filters were delivered to the village of Belle Vue Haiti, where SASH (SASHHaiti.org) has been working, Kristyna reports that some of the couriers didn’t respond to us when they first returned to the US because they were so sick and exhausted.
Joe "Bones" Courier (Left), Gordon Peabody Director (Right)
Special thanks to our most effective courier , Joe "Bones", shown here with Safe Harbor Director Gordon Peabody.
This story wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging hundreds of Cape Cod residents, donating by mail or anonymously, in churches or at the Wellfleet Preservation Hall Holiday Festival. Cape Codders, donating water filters to strangers they may never meet. Thanks to the Churches of Provincetown and Truro for their generous support of children and families in need, in a world so very different from ours. Thank you to the others, like the family from Utah, who sent us a check at Christmas: “we have everything we need, our family wants to contribute to your Haiti Water project”. As if that weren’t enough: A girl Scout Troop from Eastham donated their 50 cents dues for a month towards sending water filters to Haiti.
We are printing up thank you post cards for as many addresses as we have but the whole story won’t end there, it continues with the Haitian people, being a little less dependent on imported water and a little healthier. We are planning to transfer the Haiti Water Project to a local non-profit group, and have also provided information to Sean Penn's organization in Haiti.
Link below to local newspaper article
Restoration efforts were featured on Wicked Local.
Check out the article here
Personal statement: Deborah Peabody, Safe Harbor Haiti Water Project Donations Coordinator, March 2011
Deborah Peabody, Donations Coordinator
I was painfully aware of the suffering in Haiti even before the devastating earthquake. Then the storms and floods began. When I began hearing about the cholera outbreak it was enough to make me want to turn off the news, I felt so helpless and sad. Then my brother called. "Isn't cholera transmitted by dirty water?" he asked. He told me that he had found some simple, effective, affordable water filters intended for use in rustic areas. He'd already ordered a case to be sent to Haiti and had found a way to get them there. "Seems to be a better investment than medicine,” he said. As we continued discussing the possibilities my hope began to return. Gordon wondered aloud if local churches might be willing to buy more filters to send. I contacted people I knew from each of 3 local churches and the word went out. The first church, the first week, got donations for an entire case of filters. From there the donations continued to grow. It seemed that anyone who heard about the effort wanted to buy at least one filter. I think they felt, as I did, such happiness at being able to do something so helpful for so little. I was particularly moved at the Holiday Craft Fair in Wellfleet when people in the midst of stressful gift shopping stopped at our booth and, excited to hear about the possibility of giving such a significant gift to people they didn't know, donated generously. I have seldom been involved in a project that did so much to restore my faith in people and gave me so much joy.
Personal statement: Kristyna Smith, Safe Harbor Haiti Water Project Coordinator, March 2011
Kristyna Smith, Water Project Coordinator
It is amazing how our Haiti Water Project at Safe Harbor has progressed in just a few short months! When I was first introduced to the innovative new filters I never expected it to be more than just a research project, but before I knew it we had sent for our first order of filters. We were uncertain of the project;s future at this point as we hadn’t any idea whether or not we would receive donations. Uncertainty didn’t last long; generous donations began pouring in to help send these filters to Haiti. It has been so great to be a part of this. I have had the opportunity to communicate and meet with so many generous people who actively participate in the relief efforts and rebuilding of the Haitian community. By spreading knowledge of this sustainable solution I know our efforts will make a difference.
Update: We were unprepared for the overwhelmingly generous responses, from Churches, individuals, Girl Scout Troops and families from Cape Cod and all over the country. Our filters have been making their way into the parts of Haiti that have been struck by the earthquake and then the hurricane. They have been hand carried by volunteer couriers, who have distributed them to schools and family groups. We are about to receive photos and will post them here. The letters of gratitude have been heartbreaking.....we will post some of these also this month. Communications have been sketchy and deteriorating from Haiti and we have had to be patient. Thank you to everyone who believes in sustainable solutions. The letter we wrote to the UN presented cost benefit ratios for sending filters instead of water...we will be posting that startling material as well. gordon peabody, 2/0-4/11spring 2011
Christmas update: the first cases of filters are on their way to be distributed in Haiti, hand carried by a medical team member. A second delivery will be made by a friend who is involved in an aid organization. He will be delivering a boat to Haiti and a third delivery may be made by volunteers working for an aid agency in Miami. Thank you to the hundreds of people, organizations and churches that have supported this project. A special thank you goes out to two people, Kristyna Smith and Deborah Peabody, who work as project coordinator and fund raising coordinator, respectively.
Kristyna Smith, Haiti Water Initiative, Project Coordinator
Deborah Peabody, Haiti Water Initiative, fund raising coordinator
Thank you for supporting sustainable solutions, Gordon Peabody, Director, Safe Harbor