Digital Commons Network^™

Winging It Through Unprecedented Times: A Study Of Avian Admissions To Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers In The Eastern United States Amidst The Covid-19 Pandemic, Thea Tengstrom

Honors College

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has brought new research that examines the many ways in which humans impact wildlife. Wildlife rehabilitation is a tool that attempts to mitigate some negative effects of anthropogenic activity (domestic cats, window strikes), through specialized care to aid injured and orphaned animals. This study sought to investigate if the ‘Anthropause’, which saw a massive change in human behavior, demonstrated an influence on wild bird admissions to wildlife rehabilitation centers. Twelve centers were selected including both urban and non-urban centers throughout the eastern United States. Bird admission data between 2018 and 2021 were …

Evaluating The Effects Of Parasite Infections On Reproductive Ability In Maine Moose, Isabella Costa

Honors College

Despite conservation efforts, moose have experienced increasing mortality rates. Winter ticks are known to cause anemia and lower reproductive potential in moose. Moreover, a genus of bacteria, Anaplasma spp., is known to cause a reduction in reproductive efforts in other animals, such as cattle. Because both winter ticks and Anaplasma spp. may affect female reproductive ability, the overall goal of this research was to determine if Anaplasma bacterial infections could be impacting female moose reproduction within the state of Maine. To address this, samples and biological data from moose were collected during hunter harvest, in collaboration with hunters and the …

Ecological, Molecular, And Electron Microscopical Investigations Of The Distribution Of Shell-Boring Polychaetes Along The Coast Of Maine, Emma Tomasetti

Honors College

Blister worms are polychaete worms that live in various calcareous materials such as dead shells, red algae, limestone, and cinder blocks, along with cultured shellfish, such as oysters or sea scallops. These worms can be considered a pest due to their nature to burrow into their host’s substrate and create blisters that then fill with mud and detritus. In chapter 1, I worked closely with an oyster farm looking at the reproductive status of one species of blister worm, P. websteri, and the efficacy of cold storage as a method of ridding oysters of P. websteri. For chapter 2, I …

Does Urbanization Surrounding Stopping Sites Affect Migratory Behavior In American Woodcock (Scolopax Minor)?, Zoe Pavlik

Honors College

Urban landscapes may influence bird species in complex ways, with some species exploiting urban environments, others adapting to them, and others avoiding them. Migratory birds encounter urbanization not just during breeding and overwintering, but also at stopping sites during migration. Migration routes of American Woodcock (Scolopax minor), a bird species experiencing long term population declines, follow the east coast of the United States, including the major urbanized areas of the eastern seaboard. I explored the effects of urbanization around stopping sites on Woodcock migratory behavior using the percentage of impervious surfaces within a buffer surrounding the site as a measure …

Temperature And Energy Interactions In Small Tropical Mammals, Abe Grunwald

Honors College

The study of mammalian energetics focuses on the complex connections between metabolic rate, body temperature, thermoregulation, and much more. Knowledge of mammalian energetics is skewed towards temperate endotherms, making assumptions about energetics biased towards the more studied temperate species. However, tropical endotherms live in environments that are quite different from temperate endotherms, resulting in differences in heat exchange between the endotherm and the environment. To understand how the different dynamic created between ambient temperature and thermoregulation impacts energetics in the tropics, I compare two species of tropical mammals, one with nighttime activity, the western tarsier (Cephalopachus bancanus), and one with …

Distribution Of Shell-Boring Polychaetes At Shellfish Aquaculture Sites Along The Northeast Coast Of The Us, Samantha Silverbrand

Honors College

Coastal shellfish aquaculture has expanded substantially in recent years in Maine and New England as traditional wild fishery stocks have declined. As shellfish aquaculture has expanded, producers have become more concerned about marine worm pests (i.e., polychaetes) that infest cultured bivalves. In particular, worms from the genus Polydora (also known as “polydorids”) burrow into oyster and scallop shells where they feed and deposit mud. Bivalves cover over the muddy burrows creating blisters that can decrease their market value and hinder growth. Farmers and researchers have identified methods to control infestations of P. websteri, one common species of shell-boring worm. However, …

Maine Lobstermen's Association Whale Update, Amber-Jean Nickel, Maine Lobstermen's Association

Fisheries

The Maine Lobstermen's Association “has been closely following the death of Right Whale 5120 found dead on Martha’s Vineyard on January 28th. The MLA was shocked and dismayed when NOAA Fisheries announced on February 14th that the rope removed from the deceased whale 'is consistent with the rope used in Maine state water trap/pot buoy lines.’”

“Maine lobstermen have made many changes to how we fish to avoid harming a Right whale which makes this news hard to believe. As we move forward, MLA will push back on NOAA’s finding until the industry’s questions about the entanglement and how NOAA …

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, January 19, 2024, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

2024 Women in Aquaculture Series. We're eager to spotlight the 2024 Women's Workshop Series for aquaculture, an opportunity brought to you by the Maine Aquaculture Hub in collaboration with Aquaculture in Shared Waters. Tailored for women and nonbinary aquaculturists, this series isn't just a learning journey—it's a chance to forge your path in Maine's aquaculture scene. Dive into a curriculum brimming with expertise in seamanship, business acumen, and safety protocols. Beyond the skills, it's a community waiting to unfold.

Dataset For: “Shifts In Habitat, Habitat Use, And Demography Of American Lobsters In Coastal Maine Over The Past Quarter Century.”, Robert Jarrett Ii, Damian Brady, Richard Wahle, Robert Steneck

Non-Thesis Student Work

This is the dataset for the manuscript "Shifts in habitat, habitat use, and demography of American lobsters in coastal Maine over the past quarter century." Our study revisited 20 long-term monitored sites at 10 m depth along more than 320 km of the Gulf of Maine. Sampling used quadrat sampling via scuba divers. We recorded fundamental changes in lobster habitat use and distribution. The data include count, size, sex, number of claws, and shelter use of lobster in addition to substrate type, percent cover of kelp and other macroalgae. The data are included in six .csv format files: (1) data …

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 12, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Rebecca Nuzzi, Amber-Jean Nickel

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

The Sociocultural Significance Of Maine's Oyster Based On Media Coverage Analysis, Syeira Clark

Honors College

Throughout the last decade, the oyster aquaculture industry in Maine has boomed, with 6 million pounds of oysters being harvested in 2021, about the amount that was harvested in 2016 (Cough, 2022). According to the founders of the Maine Oyster Trail, there are over 150 oyster farms currently operating on Maine’s coast, which is about twice as many as there were in 2016 (Maine Sea Grant). With this boom in the industry has come a wave of opportunity, as well as news coverage about the shellfish. This study examines the socio-cultural significance to the state of Maine. While the oyster …

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 11, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Rebecca Nuzzi, Amber-Jean Nickel, Bob Steneck, Melissa Waterman, Patrice Mccarron, Kevin Kelley, Marcus Wolf, Paul Molyneaux

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 10, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Melissa Waterman, Amber-Jean Nickel, Kristan Porter, Brie Weisman, Kevin Kelley

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 9, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Rebecca Nuzzi, Amber-Jean Nickel, Patrick Keliher, Melissa Waterman, Kevin Kelley

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, August 21, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

AquEOUS Fellowship. The inaugural summer of this new USDA fellowship program welcomed six undergraduate students to Orono from UMaine and four other U.S. colleges and universities. Over the course of 10 weeks, they approached aquaculture projects with "two-eyed seeing," incorporating local indigenous perspectives. The program took them to some of Maine’s most beautiful field settings, including the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research, the Darling Marine Center, and the Hurricane Island Center for Science and planning the program for next summer’s larger cohort! Learn about two of our fellows’ experiences

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 8, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Melissa Waterman, Paul Withers, Amber-Jean Nickel, Carli Stewart, Kevin Kelley, Patrice Mccarron

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 7, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Kirk Moore, Amber-Jean Nickel, Marianne Lacroix, Kevin Kelley, Melissa Waterman

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, June 22, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

The Aquaculture Research Institute is buzzing with activity, as summer descends on the coast of Maine. From our undergraduate externs exploring the aquaculture workforce to our new fellows working to integrate Indigenous and Western Science through applied aquaculture research, the institute is a hub of education and discovery. We look forward to a busy and exciting summer at ARI with this group of passionate and curious students.

Save Maine Lobstermen Website, June 2023, Maine Lobstermen's Association, Sutherland Weston

History of Maine Fisheries

Screen capture of the #SaveMaineLobstermen website created on June 2, 2023. The screen capture includes the web pages: "The Issue," "The Solution," "Join the Fight," "In Court," "Shop to Support," and "Contact." The website was created in reaction to the 2021 call by the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) "ten-year whale plan that requires the Maine lobster fishery to reduce its already minimal risk to right whales by 98 percent."

This document includes all material available through the website on June 2, 2023, regarding the September 2021 lawsuit filed by the Maine Lobstermen's Association (MLA) challenging the 10-year whale plan. …

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 6, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Melissa Waterman, Amber-Jean Nickel, Patrick Keliher, Kevin Kelley, Jeff Putnam, Craig Idlebrook

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 5, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Melissa Waterman, Kevin Kelley, Amber-Jean Nickel, Jeff Kart, Patrice Mccarron

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, April 14, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

As the days grow longer and warmer weather approaches, spring has officially sprung in Maine. The sound of peepers heralds the changing season with their distinct croaks, while ctenophores comb through the waters of the Damariscotta. At the DMC, we’re eagerly anticipating a lively summer ahead! We’re thrilled to announce a few exciting opportunities for anyone interested in different aspects of aquaculture.

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 4, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Patrice Mccarron, Melissa Waterman, Nick Battist, Kristan Porter, Kevin Kelley

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Expression Of The Rag-1 Gene In Larval Yellowtail Kingfish, Gabriella Peluso

Honors College

Aquaculture has taken over from capture fisheries as a primary global provider of seafood products. Seriola lalandi, or Yellowtail kingfish, has become a species of interest, as it is a fish notable for its marketability and culinary desirability. With the expansion of aquaculture and the increased amount of high-level operating facilities comes an increased risk of disease outbreaks. There are methods commonly used within these facilities for disease control, including incorporating nutritional feeds into the fishes’ diets, safe husbandry practices, and vaccinations. While these methods can be effective, they have caveats that must be considered. Adequate diets and improved …

I Ain't Afraid Of No Crab: Intertidal Gastropod Littorina Littorea Behavioral Response To Predation Risk By Carcinus Maenas, Isabelle Erin Smy

Honors College

Littorina littorea is an intertidal, invasive gastropod species common in the Gulf of Maine. In this paper, I studied the avoidance and risk-reducing behavioral responses of L. littorea to predation risk by invasive crustacean species Carcinus maenas. Avoidance and risk-reducing behavior in this study are defined by the tendency to move towards the edge and out of a simulated tide pool and the tendency to reduce feeding. The goal of this study was to determine whether the exposure to chemical cues of predators resulted in an increase in avoidance behavior, risk-reducing behavior, and a reduction in the time before the …

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, March 8, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

Undergraduate Students (AquEOUS) Fellowship. This new USDA Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU) at the University of Maine's Wabanaki Center and Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) and in collaboration with Wabanaki Youth in Science offers undergraduate students from around the nation an opportunity to combine traditional ecological knowledge from indigenous science with STEM concepts from western science to solve real-world problems in aquaculture at the University of Maine’s world-class aquaculture facilities.

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 3, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Patrice Mccarron, Melissa Waterman, Matt Talbot, Susie Arnold, Eric Layland

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 2, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Patrice Mccarron, Patrick Keliher, Fiona Hogan, Melissa Waterman, Kevin Kelley

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, January 24, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

ARI now has a Podcast! "Salty Talks - Conversations on Sustainable Aquaculture in Maine." In discussion-style episodes, we speak with people across multiple disciplines to highlight some of the most exciting innovations happening in Maine aquaculture!

Landings, Vol. 31, No. 1, Maine Lobstermen’S Community Alliance, Patrice Mccarron, Alexa Dayton, Togue Brawn, Dustin Delano, Steven Dickens, Ann Backus, Melissa Waterman

Landings: News & Views from Maine's Lobstering Community

Landings content emphasizes science, history, resource sustainability, economic development, and human interest stories related to Maine's lobster industry. The newsletter emphasizes lobstering as a traditional, majority-European American lifeway with an economic and social heritage unique to the coast of Maine. The publication focuses how ongoing research to engage in sustainable, non-harmful, and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices benefit both the fishery and Maine's coastal legacy.

For more information, please visit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA) website.