www.wellsreserve.org/news/2005-03-18_mmrc.htm

WELLS RESERVE HELPS FORM STATEWIDE MARINE RESEARCH COALITION

WELLS, MAINE - The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve (Wells NERR) has joined with marine-based research institutions throughout Maine to strengthen capacity, increase collaboration, and raise visibility for marine research and education in our state.

The Maine Marine Research Coalition (MMRC), composed of 24 public, private, non-profit, and for-profit institutions, has a vision to leverage Maine's traditional maritime strengths to play a significant role in a vibrant 21st century ocean-based economy, combining scientific research, product and technology development, and education to sustain marine resources.

"Each member of the MMRC brings something unique and vital to the coalition," explained Susan Rouillard, chair of the Wells NERR Management Authority and president of Laudholm Trust. "The sum of these individual strengths will benefit the economy and will help create new knowledge about how to better balance use and protection of Maine's marine resources."

Wells NERR research director Dr. Michele Dionne voiced enthusiasm for bringing together Maine's many marine research and education groups. "Coalition members represent various areas and aspects of the Maine coast," said Dionne. "This new partnership will be competitive when seeking external funds for larger, more integrated research projects along Maine's nationally significant coastline."

MMRC's efforts are founded on Maine's existing strengths in marine research, which include the productivity of the Gulf of Maine, an innovative fishing community, and a committed science community with a number of world-class researchers.

Governor John Baldacci is enthusiastic about linking the considerable marine-based expertise represented by the coalition. Marine research and infrastructure are part of Governor Baldacci's 2005 bond package.

"By focusing research and development on the Gulf of Maine, I will continue to ensure responsible stewardship of this vital natural resource," Baldacci said. "The future strength of the Maine economy will depend on a healthy North Atlantic Ocean."

The Wells NERR is the southernmost member of the Maine Marine Research Coalition. It is one of 26 national estuarine research reserves in the country and the only such reserve in Maine.

The Wells NERR research department studies and monitors change in Gulf of Maine estuaries, coastal habitats, and adjacent coastal watersheds, and produces science-based information needed to protect, sustain, or restore them.

In a typical year, the Wells NERR research program directs or assists with more than 20 studies involving dozens of scientists, students, and staff from the reserve, academic and research institutions, resource management agencies, and environmental and conservation groups.

Wells NERR scientists participate in research, monitoring, planning, management, and outreach activities locally, regionally, and nationally. The reserve supports field research along Maine's southwest coast from the Kennebec River to the Piscataqua River, including nearshore and offshore waters of the Bigelow Bight. Within this region, effort is focused on the coastal compartments from Kittery to Cape Elizabeth, which are characterized by numerous marsh-dominated estuaries and barrier beaches.

Wells NERR research themes include estuarine water quality, salt marsh habitats and communities, habitat value for fish and wildlife, and salt marsh degradation and restoration.

Wells NERR facilities are located at Laudholm Farm in Wells and the reserve receives core funding from the nonprofit Laudholm Trust and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. More information is available at www.wellsreserve.org.

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