Water Quality and Ecological Evaluation of Bass Harbor Marsh (Research Proposal)

Doering, Peter; Oviatt, Candace; Keller, Aimee; Roman, Charles

Macroalgal biomass in Bass Harbor Marsh have significantly increased while brook trout yields have decreased to near zero. It is hypothesized that pollutant - nutrient loading may be an important factor contributing to these ecological changes. This document is a proposal to inventory and quantify nutrient loading, and to evaluate over-board discharge and other pollution problems in Bass Harbor Marsh. 'Bass Harbor Marsh, located on the southwest coast of Mount Desert Island is the largest salt marsh in Acadia National Park and the surrounding region. This salt marsh, a drowned river valley type, is dominated by Spartina grasses but also supports some fringing freshwater marshes and submerged aquatic vegetation associated with the several freshwater streams that discharge into the system. A tidal creek dissects the marsh and flows into Bass Harbor, a characteristic residential-commercial (fishing) harbor. The tidal range in Bass Harbor is 3.1 meters, while the range in the marsh is substantially reduced by a causeway at the mouth of the marsh. The diversity of habitats within Bass Harbor Marsh make it a particularly significant resource within the park.' /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/Bass Harbor Marsh/