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.

Frenchman Bay Partners
FOBHB is one of several partners in the The Frenchman Bay Partnership which is comprised of stakeholder groups and individuals interested in working together toward a sustainable future for Frenchman Bay. FOBHB and FBP share information and resources on a regular basis.

Recently the partners have been working to restore eelgrass. This map (pdf) shows that eelgrass that was present in Goose Cove (Trenton/Blue Hill Bay) in 2008 had disappeared in 2011.

Hardwood Island Salmon Farm Recovery Monitoring pdf
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 – pdf
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.

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 email the Use Inventory Project Coordinator 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 – pdf
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 – pdf
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.