Friends of Blue Hill Bay is committed to funding scientific research so that we have a greater understanding of how the Bay functions, the challenges it faces, and how we might best manage this valuable resource. Click the links below to download PDF's of the research.

Hardwood Island Salmon Farm Recovery Monitoring
We are monitoring benthic recovery at the former Hardwood Island Salmon Farm. FOBHB hired Chris Heinig of MER Assessment in Brunswick, Maine to conduct the monitoring. In Spring, 2006 Heinig was completed the first phase of video monitoring and grab sampling.

Blue Hill Bay Use Inventory
Friends of Blue Hill Bay is coordinating and funding a new effort to conduct a Use Inventory of Blue Hill Bay. The Use Inventory will compile and map data about the Bay and the many ways it is used for commercial, recreational, governmental, scientific, and other purposes. Click and look at the DRAFT-FINAL maps below:

• Archaeological & Historic Sites (not available for public distribution)
• Cultural Sites
• Commercial Lobster Fisheries State Districts
• Conserved Lands (not available for public distribution)
• Aquaculture Sites
• Seafloor Compostion (Maine Geological Society)
• Groundwater Threat Sites
• Ecological Habitats
• Past Commercial Fisheries
• Hurricane Surge Flood Potential
• Current Crab & Lobster Harvesting Areas
• Population Change
• Recreational Destination Areas
• Point Source Pollution and Gravel Pit Sites
• Shellfish Classifications
• Transportation Features
• Water Quality Monitoring Sites
• Blue Hill Bay Watershed
• Shore & Inland Fisheries

FOBHB welcomes your comments and any additional input for the above DRAFT maps. If you would like to participate in providing information for the Use Inventory please fill out a Sketch Map Request Form, or email the Use Inventory Project Coordinator, use-inv.info@fobhb.org.

Dr. Pettigrew’s Newest Research - PDF (2.8 mb)
After more than two years of research, Dr. Neal Pettigrew, Ph.D., professor of oceanography at University of Maine in Orono, and his chief scientists at Maine Oceanographic Services have now developed a model of Blue Hill Bay that demonstrates its low current velocity, seasonal stratification, and limited ability to absorb nutrients.

Physical Processes in Blue Hill Bay and Net-Pen Aquaculture
Dr. Pettigrew's research presents findings on the flushing rates of Blue Hill Bay and shows how they play a key role in determining the environmental impact of
discharges from fin-fish aquaculture. Dr. Pettigrew is an Associate Professor of Physical Oceanography at the School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Orono.

Salmon Aquaculture Concerns Summary
David Townsend's research presents findings on farm site conditions that contribute to increased levels of nitrogen into the environment. David Townsend is Professor of Oceanography at the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine, Orono.