Gulfwatch is a program of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment. The program’s goal is to measure chemical contamination throughout the Gulf of Maine. The blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) is used as an indicator species to detect contamination levels. Because blue mussels are long-lived and sedentary, their body concentrations of contaminants reflect local environmental conditions over time. In New Hampshire, Coastal Research Volunteer members work with NH Sea Grant’s Steve Jones to help with the collection of mussels, which are then processed and analyzed for contaminants.
Program name
New Hampshire Sea Grant
Location
New Hampshire
State
New Hampshire
Purpose
The Gulfwatch program’s goal is to measure chemical contamination throughout the Gulf of Maine using the blue mussel as an indicator species. Volunteers help collect the mussels, which are then processed and analyzed for contaminants.
Project Topics
Water Quality/Biotoxins/Ocean Acidification
Species Monitoring/Conservation/Phenology
Project Website
