Whether predation or poor larval settlement has caused the decline in iconic softshell clams is being studied using recruitment boxes that protect larval and baby clams from predators. Local aquaculture is increasing oyster harvests. Efforts like these can help restore and support the fishery. 4/5

But if contaminants are in the water, shellfish may ingest those as well, with negative effects on the shellfish and harvestability. @bowenlab.bsky.social and @myadarsan.bsky.social are using new approaches to better identify sources and types of contaminants which may help mediate inputs. 3/5

Filter-feeding shellfish like oysters and clams remove algae from estuarine water (thereby also remove nitrogen), promoting water clarity and quality, easily visible and measurable in demo tanks of shellfish with algae compared to tanks with no algae, even approaching the clarity of tap water. 2/5

Fun Trails and Sails event this week showcasing new work centered on how estuary and shellfish health are intertwined and the need for people to foster both. We always get engaged attendees from the local community and make great new connections! 1/5
trailsandsails.org

#PlanktonInOurMidst #artsience now @mblscience.bsky.social exhibit center-gift shop, celebrating plankton through art by Krisanne Baker, plus slide show and science panels from Liz Cunningham, OceanFluxProgram, BLE-LTER, us, and others from MBL Ecosystems Center www.lizcunningham.net/plankton-in-...

Sandy Macfarlane received the NEERS Achievement Award from #NEERS President Danielle Perry, for those who "have made significant contributions over a period of years to estuarine science, education, conservation, or management". Congratulations, Sandy, so well-deserved! 1/2

Also at the meeting was John Logan, PIE RA 2001-2003 now at MA Div. Marine Fisheries, who provided some of the person power needed to install many of the SETs! Thanks John!

Sam Kelsey & Risa McNellis giving a poster at #NEERS; GPS elevation transects at saltmarsh sites surveyed 20 yrs apart show accretion at most sites, with higher rates at low elevations, but many not keeping up with sea level rise. Rates compared well with SET data. #LongTermData @uslter.bsky.social

On this #EarthDay, it's worth remembering why, in 1970, it was created (smog-choked cities, toxic waste/sewage dumping, and yes, a burning river) and importantly, what followed, like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, helping to preserve scenes like this. We are stewards, not just users. 💚💙🌎

📷McNellis

📷Simmons

📷Foster

📷Darsan

📷Tsui

📷Kelsey

📷Tucker

Happy Pi Day!
Do you have a favorite slice of PIE? Here are some of ours 1/n

Just wrapped up #PIE2025ASM! We heard about microbes & molecules & plants & crabs & up to satellite imagery, and how all the pieces are needed to describe the ecology and ecosystem functioning of our estuarine site - the whole PIE ☺️, and had a very interactive poster session! Science on!
📷 McNellis