Marine Science Prof. Penny Vlahos shows a map of the extent of hypoxia in Long Island Sound as she describes her research into the biogeochemical processes in the estuary.
Photos by Judy Benson
Connecticut Sea Grant hosted its third on-the-water workshop aboard Enviro-Lab III, Project Oceanology’s vessel, leaving from the docks at the UConn Avery Point campus on the afternoon of June 14. The excursion took about 50 passengers to Stonington harbor and back, along the way passing areas such as the mouth of the Mystic River, Bluff Point and Pine Island that are relevant to the talks given during the three-hour trip. The workshops are being held as part of Sea Grant’s 30th anniversary year celebration.
The 10 speakers included Sea Grant partners and researchers who receive Sea Grant funding. Topics included coastal resiliency, the Long Island Sound Blue Plan, safety training for commercial fishermen, commercial shellfishing, the biogeochemistry of the estuary, mercury levels in forage fish, legal implications of climate change and the history of the Avery Point campus.
Capt. Ian Morrison piloted the Enviro-Lab III for the on-the-water workshop.
Choppy seas and strong winds made for a sometimes bumpy ride during the three-hour workshop.
Passengers were made up of about 50 people who work with Sea Grant in various capacities.
Steve Plant, owner of Connecticut Cultured Oysters, was one of the 10 speakers, talking about his Mystic shellfish farm.
UConn marine science Prof. Zofia Baumann talked about her research into mercury levels in silversides, an important forage fish in Long Island Sound.
Indrajeet Chauby, left, dean and director of the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, and UConn Provost John Elliot, right, and state Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt (not seen), were among passengers on the vessel.
Marine science Prof. Jamie Vaudrey spoke about her research in Little Narragansett Bay and other coves and embayments in the Sound.
The vessel passed close to Latimer Reef Lighthouse, near the eastern end of Fishers Island.
Capt. Morrison steered the boat as far east as Stonington harbor then passed by the mouth of the Mystic River, Bluff Point and other areas relevant to the speakers’ talks during the trip back.
Avery Point campus Director Annemarie Seifert made brief remarks at the start of the trip.
Nets used for trawl sampling during Project Oceanology trips for school groups hung on the bow as the vessel traversed the eastern end of Long Island Sound.
A Project Oceanology crew member answers a question from one of the passengers as the vessel approaches the docks at Avery Point.
