The vanishing meadows beneath Casco Bay

About this episode

The episode discusses the alarming decline of eelgrass in Casco Bay and the efforts to restore this vital ecosystem.

Host Tom Bell explores the alarming decline of eelgrass in Casco Bay with Ivy Frignoca, Casco Baykeeper with Friends of Casco Bay , and Janelle Goeke, Staff Scientist for Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, who coordinates eelgrass restoration projects in Casco Bay. Often overlooked beneath the water’s surface, eelgrass is a critical foundation species that supports fisheries, improves water quality, stores carbon, and provides habitat for marine life throughout the bay. But nearly half of Maine’s eelgrass has disappeared over the past two decades, with especially dramatic losses in Casco Bay. The conversation examines what’s driving the decline, what restoration efforts are underway, and what the future of the bay could look like if communities succeed—or fail—in protecting this vital ecosystem. Host: Tom Bell Produced by: Speak Up Greater Portland Recorded at WMPG 90.9FM for live broadcast and podcast Podcast edit: C. Carter

People in this episode

Host: Tom Bell

Guests: Ivy Frignoca, Janelle Goeke

Topics covered

• eelgrass decline
• marine ecosystem
• environmental restoration
• Casco Bay
• fisheries
• water quality

Keywords

• eelgrass
• Casco Bay
• environment
• restoration
• marine life
• fisheries
• water quality
• carbon storage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Friends of Casco Bay, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership

Places: Casco Bay, Maine

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