Spring Meeting

May 1-3, 1997

Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
Wells, Maine

Meeting Site-. The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm Farm was the site for all meeting sessions. The Reserve occupies a restored salt water farm with 7 miles of hiking trails, 1700 feet of beach, bordered on two sides by estuaries, and is surrounded by 1800 acres of the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge.

Scientific Presentations: A special one day Workshop on Salt Marsh Ecosystems in the Gulf of Maine was held on Thursday, May 1, to discuss specific research and management needs regarding fisheries ecology, productivity, habitat degradation/restoration, and biodiversity of Gulf of Maine salt marsh ecosystems.

Presentation of scientific papers, both poster and oral, took place on Friday all day and Saturday morning.

Coastal Cruise Field Trip: A three hour cruise aboard the RV Indian out of Kennebunkport was held on Saturday afternoon. We viewed the varied coastal habitats from Cape Porpoise south to the cliffs at Bald Head. Rocky intertidal shoreline, barrier beaches, salt marshes, islands, protected and developed lands were on the menu. Commentary on coastal resource management and protection was provided.


Many thanks to Michele Dionne (207 646-1555 ext. 36, dionne@ satum.caps.me.edu) and Tim Smith (207-646-1555 ext. 19) who organized the meeting.