MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • August 16, 2021
Join Schoodic Institute scientists in the intertidal zone to collect data about rockweed while exploring the beauty of the rocky coast between the tides. Rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum, or “Asco”) is the dominant species in most of the rocky intertidal zone of Maine and provides habitat for other species living in and visiting this dynamic ecosystem. Rockweed is currently harvested in Maine and sustainable management requires knowledge of the total amount of rockweed throughout the state. The goal of Project ASCO (Assessing Seaweed via Community Observations) is to get interested participants out into the intertidal zone to help answer the question, ”How much rockweed is there?” The project launches with a live webinar, August 19 at 4:00 pm, to introduce the project and methods. In-person training sessions are being planned for late summer.