MUDFLAT ACIDIFICATION
Taking initiative to preserve and protect the marine environment
Mudflats are coastal estuaries where rivers meet the ocean. Created by sedimental tidal deposits, these ecosystems contain high levels of nutrients that can support a variety of marine invertebrates, notably mollusks and crustaceans. Generally speaking, the majority of marine organisms thrive in conditions where the pH range is between 6.5 and 8.5. Levels that are consistently outside this range may stress invertebrates, resulting in decreased growth, reproduction, and even death.
Cape Ann–made up of Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea–relies on the success of the shellfish industry to support its economy. To sustain these marine populations for environmental and economic purposes, it is critical to ensure that the pH and salinity of these mudflats remain within a healthy range.
Seaside Sustainability has been conducting monthly mudflat acidification tests at various locations in Cape Ann, including Gloucester High School Docks, Conomo Point Docks, Masconomo Park, and Clammers Beach. At each site, our team sets up 10 quadrats on the mudflats. For each quadrat, we measure the pH, temperature, and salinity at five specific points: the four corners and the center. The collected data will be sent to Salem Sound Coastwatch and then inputted into a database for further research.
Mudflat
Check out the table below to see the data that’s been collected!
Mudflat
Table
Site & Trip Information | Collection Site | Gloucester High School Docks | Clammers Beach - Beach | Front Beach (Left of Conomo Point Docks) | Masconomo Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GPS Location | Starting Latitude | 42.6138208 N | 42.64851 N | 42.6511 N | 42.57161 N |
Starting Longitude | -70.6781344 W | 70.74367 W | 70.74641 W | 70.77015 W | |
Ending Latitude | 42.61359 N | 42.64868 N | 42.65122 N | 42.57149 N | |
Ending Longitude | 70.67819 W | 70.74360 W | 70.74617 W | 70.76988 W | |
Trip Information | Date of Collection | 7/24/2024 | 7/30/2024 | 8/7/2024 | 8/13/2024 |
Time of Collection | 10:47 AM | 11:47 AM | 11:32 AM | 10:14 AM | |
Air Temperature (℉) | 69℉ | 78℉ | 65℉ | 71℉ | |
Low Tide | 8:00 AM | 1:52 PM | 8:19 AM | 12:26 om | |
Sampler(s) | Rowan Galanis, Camila Gomez | Rowan Galanis, Camila Gomez | Rowan Galanis, Camila Gomez, Ava Sheedy | Rowan Galanis, Camila Gomez |