New York Taking
Initiative Taking an initial dive into uncharted waters — a story that began 30 years ago for New York Sea Grant.
“With our first year of Sea Grant initiated, we must quality of the state’s coastal waters, developing begin to work very hard towards producing results their resources, and planning better utilization of of value to the state and to the program. For the our coast for the citizens of the state. With award “ New York State Sea Grant Program to grow and of the first year grant, the burden is upon us to prosper, all of its initial participants, as well as show that we can live up to the expectations. those who will be joining the program in the future, will have to give their best creative —Dr. Donald Squires, New York Sea Grant’s thinking toward the problems of restoring the first Director, 1971
Continued on page 3
New Initiatives A close look at hard clam, brown tide and lobster research page 4
Why Does Brown Tide Thrive in Local Waters? page 6
CoastWatch: Diving To Great Depths page 8
Fostering Coastal Businesses page 10
Currents Reeling in Results for School page 12 Making a Splash in Oswego Avian Botulism in Lake Erie D ATMOSPH AN ER IC IC N A A D E M C I N O IS L T A
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T ON A Summer ‘01 A Publication of the New York Sea Grant Institute Vol.30/No.2 N U .S . CE D R E E PA M RT OM MENT OF C From the Director New York Director New ork Jack Mattice This issue of Coastlines might be brown tide. Clearly, the research and Associate Director Dale Baker characterized as “New York Sea Grant outreach have increased our knowledge Assistant Director — How we set our course.” of the key influences on initiation and Cornelia Schlenk cessation of the algal blooms. The COASTLINES Articles span the time frame from hard clam initiative work began under Vol. 30, No. 2, Summer 2001 summaries of the first issue of the watchful eyes of an advisory Editor/Writer Barbara A. Branca Coastlines in 1971 through the Lobster committee toward the end of 2000, [email protected] Initiative that received recent national and syntheses of results will take place Contributing Writer office approval and will run for two to in 2003. Results from the lobster Paul C. Focazio [email protected] three years beginning June 1, 2001. initiative (NYSG’s projects are summarized Design There are consistencies of high quality on page 14) lie even more in the future. L.C. Graphics that stretch through the whole Each of these initiatives is a good example Layout Sharon O’Donovan existence of NYSG from the rapid of NYSG working together with other groups Production Assistants attainment of Sea Grant College status to leverage funds. Sharon O’Donovan in 1975 through the program rating of Susan Hamill “excellent” by the national office in The article on Fostering Coastal Coastlines is a publication of the New York Sea Grant Institute, a cooperative program early 2001. As I promised in the Businesses highlights ways in which of the State University of New York and Winter 2001 issue, this second of the NYSG serves small businesses. Cornell University, engaged in research, th education and outreach concerning our 30 Anniversary issues of Coastlines Activities have run the gamut from marine and Great Lakes resources. will highlight two more Coordinated research on diving physiology and Copyright © 2001 New York Sea Grant, all Issue Areas: New Initiatives and development of underwater parks, rights reserved. No part of this issue may be reproduced by mechanical, photographic Fostering Coastal Businesses. Both through extension of information to aid or electronic process or otherwise copied were used to demonstrate New York businesses with narrow profit margins for public or private use without the written permission of the publisher. Sea Grant’s integration of research and to control pollution, to new directions in New York Sea Grant Institute outreach to serve its coastal stakeholders. tourism, and understanding 121 Discover y Hall, Stony Brook University recreational resource use conflicts. Stony Brook, NY 11794-5001 (631) 632-6905 The New Initiatives Issue Area is really New York Sea Grant Extension Offices: a “catch-all” goal in our strategic plan; Other articles focused on the 10 Westbrook Lane we use it to take advantage of sponsorship of meetings on avian Kingston, NY 12401-3824 (845) 340-3983 opportunities for partnering with other botulism in Lake Erie and marine Cornell University Research & Extension Center organizations aimed at responding in a education. The former is a new issue 3059 Sound Avenue timely fashion to rapidly-emerging – and we collaborated with Pennsylvania Riverhead, NY 11901-1098 (631) 727-3910 some might say emergency – coastal Sea Grant to fund the meeting. Finally, 146 Suffolk Hall, Stony Brook University resource issues. what could be a better time than Stony Brook, NY 11794-5002 summer to enjoy lobster, hot or cold. (631) 632-8730 Three such initiatives are highlighted. Morgan II, SUNY College at Brockport Brockport, NY 14420-2928 The longest running – the fifth year of Hope you enjoy the issue(s). (716) 395-2638 six will end this fall — is focused on 204 Jarvis Hall, SUNY at Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14260-4400 (716) 645-3610 340 Roberts Hall, Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-4203 (607) 255-2832 SUNY College at Oswego Oswego, NY 13126-3599 (315) 341-3042 Another new beginning . . . A marine educator on 101 Broad Street Plattsburgh State University a field trip holds a herring gull chick emerging Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2681 from its egg on “Bird Island” in Shinnecock Bay. (518) 564-3038 See the story about NYSG participation in an New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary educators’ conference on page 12. Program Office 290 Broadway, 24th Floor Photo by Lou Siegel New York, NY 10007-1866 (212) 637-3816
2 The very first of December 1971 . . . reported that about a month before, the New York Sea Grant Program was formally launched at a presentation ceremony in then-Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller’s office in New York City.
As we continue the celebration of New York Sea Grant’s 30 years of service, here are some of the firsts of our early years gleaned from our Coastlines archives:
The FIRST multi-campus Sea Grant program sponsored The INITIAL extension issues and stakeholder groups began to by both the State University of New York and Cornell take shape. In the Great Lakes: technology transfer to water University. resource planners, the angling community, and marina and other recreational developers. In the marine district: The FIRST Sea Grant program to involve both marine increasing protection in estuarine areas, improving incomes and Great Lakes research. of full-time commercial fishermen through better use of equipment, developing cost control for charter fishing With one of the largest single FIRST year awards, the captains, and achieving efficiencies in shellfish processing plants. program was funded at $967,935 to support research, extension, and education In 1973, marine extension specialist Dale along NY’s many coasts. Baker (pictured left) FIRST opened the doors to the NYSG office on the SUNY Oswego campus In 1972, Bruce T. Wilkins, of where he developed programs in environmen- Cornell’s Department tal impact statements and power plant siting— of Natural Resources, was issues of keen interest to NY businesses and appointed the FIRST Program communities in the seventies. Baker is Leader for NYSG’s Advisory currently NYSG Associate Director and Services – what we now Extension program leader. call Extension. The formation of the New York Sea Grant The FIRST NYSG annual report Institute in late 1974 expanded the scope of described some successes of research by bringing in other private and public that FIRST year which had colleges for the FIRST time. emphasized resource development and In May 1975, the Secretary of Commerce management: made the INITIAL announcement that “New • research on thermal York’s strong program of sustained excellence emissions of Lake Ontario’s qualifies it for the honor of Sea Grant College power plants status.” New York was the eighth state so • studies on Lake Erie that designated out of the 26 coastal states with NYSG Associate Director programs at that time. helped extend the lake’s Dale Baker circa 1973. navigational season • suggestions for reducing the pollution of Long Island As we flash forward to this current Coastlines, we invite you Sound from the East River to read about one of our issue areas of long-standing, • documentation of the importance of NY’s fostering coastal businesses, and to take note of some of commercial fishery our new initiatives on the following pages. — Barbara A. Branca
3 Three efforts are currently underway in which New York Sea Grant (NYSG) has been successful Coordinated Issue Area in bringing significant external financial resources to bear on critical and newly-developing environmental issues. “While each is in a New Initiatives different stage of implementation,” explains NYSG Assistant Director Cornelia Schlenk, “the stories of their evolution serve to illustrate the groundwork, methods, and networks our program utilizes to make these new initiatives a reality.” Brown tide efforts are now in their fifth year of special funding (see pages 6-7 for the latest findings), research selected under a hard clam initiative is in its first field season, and a lobster mortality/shell disease program has just started. “We have established an effective method in our approach and management of such initiatives that is becoming well-recognized as a successful model,” says Schlenk. “These Some of the many recreational uses of Long Island’s Great South Bay. initiatives demonstrate that NYSG responds to Under the water’s surface, New York Sea Grant initiatives include hard emerging questions and stimulates others to do clam research and brown tide research and education. Brown tide is one of several agents that has affected the bay in the last decade or so. so as well.”
Photo by Barbara Branca
Two Decades of Shoring Up Support for Hard Clams Hard Clam Support Hard clams– including such market sellers as a large set of studies of the Great South Bay in After funding a suite of milestone hard clam-related projects in the chowders, cherrystones, and littlenecks (the the early 1980s. These efforts culminated in, early 1980s, NYSG continued smallest and most valuable of the bunch)– had among other things, numerous journal articles to support single projects as been economic and ecological cornerstone of and the production of the landmark The Great part of its core research Long Island’s South Shore Estuary area. Some South Bay book. Landings continued to decline, program. In addition, the decline 30 years ago, New York, with its Great South Bay however, and baymen gradually moved to other of the south shore’s hard clam industry was one of the driving considered “the world’s richest clam factory,” fisheries or left the water altogether. factors behind the creation of a provided more than 60 percent of the nation’s state-supported effort similar to hard clams. While the 1980s’ suite of NYSG-funded clam- EPA’s National Estuary Program. related studies gave the industry and managers In 1993, the South Shore In 1976, landings of hard clams (Mercenaria much-needed knowledge, continued declines in Estuary Reserve (SSER) was established to develop an mercenaria) hit an all-time record, totaling more growth rate and recurring brown tides made it overall, comprehensive manage- than 700,000 bushels. But soon after, harvests clear that a re-examination was essential. “A ment plan for the area, which started dropping. Around this time, hard clams general assumption was that the hard clam’s included hard clam population first became an intensive topic of NYSG decline could be attributable to a number of maintenance. NYSG Assistant research and outreach. New York Sea Grant factors, but some evidence suggested that the Director Cornelia Schlenk serves as chair of SSER’s Technical brought shellfish biologist Robert Malouf to New situation was changing further,” says Schlenk. Advisory Committee, as well as York on a Sea Grant professorship. During the a member of its governing 1980s, he, along with his colleagues and their Thanks to then-Congressman Mike Forbes’ Council. Also, NYSG earmarked many students, developed what Schlenk says interest in the South Shore Estuary Reserve, in additional funds during 1998- “still stands as some of the best information we October 1999, NYSG announced that it would 1999 to support a pilot field study relating clam and oyster have about hard clam reproduction, predation, administer $427,500 in funds from the North- growth to phytoplankton growth, and feeding.” east Regional office of the National Oceanic and composition and concentration. Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine To support its focus on the hard clam resource Fisheries Service (NMFS) for a new research Page 4 sidebar and article and industry, NYSG also funded and coordinated initiative to investigate the population dynamics by Paul C. Focazio and Cornelia Schlenk
In June 2001, the Long Island Sound Lobster programs via National Marine Fisheries Service, which will Research Steering committee announced federal conduct three projects of its own with the federal dollars. funding for 18 research projects that will improve Connecticut Governor Rowland made $1 million in funding what is known about the causes, extent, and available for three additional CT DEP projects. CT DEP and persistence of conditions that led to die-offs and NYS DEC each are receiving 1.3 million federal dollars for shell disease of the American lobster (Homarus monitoring in LIS. Other collaborators include representa- americanus) in the Sound during 1999 and 2000. tives of Long Island Sound lobster fishers’ organizations These research projects– most of which will start and the US Environmental Protection Agency. this summer and run two years– Both the New York and are jointly-funded under the $3.5 Connecticut Sea Grant million Long Island Sound Lobster programs will use some of This enameled metal Initiative, an endeavor of Sea the lobster allocation to lobster sculpture, on Grant programs in New York and keep the lobster fishers, display in Southampton Connecticut along with the this spring, was done by resource managers and the student Greg Lesiewicz, Connecticut Department of public informed about how son of a long-time Long Environmental Protection (CT DEP). the research is progressing. Island lobsterman. Research will address the health and “Research is a dynamic and disease of lobsters and the influence collaborative effort,” says of environmental stressors, including temperature and NYSG lobster outreach specialist Antoinette Clemetson, toxic contaminants such as pesticides on lobster “and the program’s success depends on the lobster mortality and shell disease. “This effort promises to be fishing community’s willingness to cooperate with our an excellent example of federal-state collaboration,” says scientists and vice-versa.” Clemetson’s role will be to Mattice. “The initiative’s research projects should provide keep the lines of communication open between the evidence to select among the many potential causes of scientists and the stakeholders through a series of the lobster mortalities and sickness.” newsletter updates, workshops and other outreach Federal monies for the Sea Grant projects (six each by techniques coordinated with Connecticut Sea Grant. the NY and CT programs) are funneled to the Sea Grant (Continued on page 14) of hard clams in Long Island’s south shore A research team at Stony Brook University– estuary. “This targeted allocation of federal including Robert Cerrato, Glen Lopez, Darcy dollars for hard clam research could not have Lonsdale, Roger Flood, Robert Armstrong and come at a better time,” says Schlenk. In Jeffrey Levinton– will examine the trophic December 1999, $50,000 was added to the interaction between hard clams and phytoplankton. initiative’s pot for research by the Port Authority In effect, the team is testing the idea that that of New York and New Jersey, which was also “the reduction in clam abundance may have supporting a hard clam stock assessment on the propelled its population and associated ecosystem New Jersey side of Raritan Bay (part of the lower into a state where the scope for its growth has New York Harbor). New York Sea Grant contributed been reduced.” Further, the clam’s steady declines an additional $100,000 and $50,000 is antici- in abundance in different habitats suggest one or pated for the SSER. more widespread or chronic causes.
Three research teams, two of which are led by Identifying the controlling factors related to hard investigators from outside New York, have clam growth, survival and environmental interac- recently begun two-year projects. tions will be the goal of the third and final research endeavor, to be headed by Eileen Hoffman of the Roger Newell of the University of Maryland Horn Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography at Old Point Lab has teamed up with Southampton Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. The multi- College’s Stephen Tettelbach in an effort to de- institutional team’s project summary states, “The termine if reproductive cycles of adult hard clams primary objective of this effort is to develop a popu- in Long Island’s south shore bays are still syn- lation growth model for the hard clam. This model chronized to normal patterns of primary produc- will permit evaluation of the potential effects of tion. If conditions are shown not to be optimal, changes in biological and environmental compo- the use of hatchery seed-clam production for re- nents of the Great South Bay system on the resi- stocking the bays may be advised as a short- to dent hard clam population levels and production.” medium-term management strategy. 5 Why Does Brown Tide Thrive in Local Waters?
The questions we’re asking today are
“ very different from the ones we were asking 15 years“ ago. We’ve come a long way. —Dr. Gregory Boyer, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
And so began the NYSG-sponsored Brown Tide BTRI researcher Todd Kana, from the University Research Initiative public symposium held at of Maryland’s Horn Point Environmental Southampton College of Long Island University Laboratories, added, “Brown tide is suspected where investigators described what is currently of being stimulated by nutrients released from known about brown tide. “Solving the brown tide the sediments. And, in the shallow bays of Long mystery and finding ways to manage the bloom Island, there is the potential for bottom-dwelling and its impacts are crucial to Suffolk County’s organisms and microorganisms to affect the environment, economy, and quality of life,” said availability of nutrients to the phytoplankton.” Suffolk County Executive Robert J. Gaffney in a statement prior to the event. “I commend NOAA, Additional hypotheses as to why Aureococcus New York Sea Grant, and the Brown Tide thrives or dies include growth stimulation by Research Initiative consortium for their commit- iron, which, although it appears not to be vital to ments to brown tide research.” bloom initiation, may be important in bloom maintenance. Also, research has shown that During the symposium, BTRI and other regional physical characteristics – such as decreased brown tide researchers explained how findings rainfall prior to a bloom, reduced bay flushing or are building a more complex picture of brown higher salinity – are not solely the causes for tide. Combinations of factors may stimulate such bloom formations as the 1985 event in growth or, conversely, cause the demise of the Narragansett Bay. microscopic alga responsible for brown tide Photo by Barbara Branca blooms, Aureococcus anophagefferens. Significant advances have resulted from the work of several investigators funded by Suffolk Christopher Gobler, County Department of Health Services (SCDHS). Assistant Professor of Julie La Roche, working at Kiel University in Marine Science at Germany, successfully established bacteria-free, Southampton College, or axenic, cultures of Aureococcus outlined several anophagefferens. Collaborating with Robert hypotheses his field Andersen of Bigelow Laboratory of Ocean research addresses. Science, the axenic Aureococcus cultures have “My studies deal with a been deposited at the Provasoli-Guillard new approach that National Center for Culture of Marine Phy- simultaneously toplankton and are available for use by other evaluates the role of investigators. Said NYSG’s BTRI outreach processes that can specialist Patrick Dooley, “The establishment of Several of the many brown enhance brown tide growth rates, such as the these cultures is an important step in under- tide scientists who use of nutrients, and those that remove brown presented this spring are, standing the complexities of brown tide because from left to right, tide cells, such as microzooplankton grazing,” researchers will now be better equipped to Christopher Gobler, said Gobler. “My results have characterized an conduct the most informative of experiments, Ed Thier, ecological niche in which high levels of organic particularly those relative to Aureococcus’ nutritional Robert Nuzzi, nutrients and low microzooplankton grazing on and growth requirements.” Charles O’Kelly, brown tide contribute to the flourishing of Darcy Lonsdale and Todd M. Kana. blooms in the bay.” 6 Photo by Susan Hamill answered many of the early questions, but also Brown Tide revealed that the problem was more complex Back Story than expected. A variety of sponsors provided Studies by brown tide researcher Darcy funding for brown tide studies Lonsdale, from Stony Brook University’s Marine in the early nineties, including Sciences Research Center, have found the New York Sea Grant, Suffolk County, the New York State presence of hard clams in mesocosm studies – Department of Environmental those using 300-gallon plastic tanks to simulate Conservation, Stony Brook conditions of shallow bays – could prevent the University’s Marine Sciences growth of brown tide due to their feeding activities. Research Center, the Environ- mental Protection Agency, Peconic Estuary Program, Representatives from Michael Sieracki’s group Brookhaven National Labora- at Maine’s Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean tory, and Southampton College. Studies presented several “take-home points” In 1995, a brown tide summit at the symposium, including the opening of a was convened to assess the niche for small algae in the spring that can be state of knowledge and formulate research recommen- filled by brown tide and the fact that organic dations. Then in 1996 the nutrients may favor brown tide. This, in addition BTRI program was launched in Sea Grant scholar Dianne Greenfield to discovering the existence of a mutual 1996 by the National Oceanic shows seawater containing brown tide relationship between brown tide and a marine and Atmospheric taken from Sayville in the Great South bacterium, may assist in the persistence of Administration’s (NOAA) Bay in the summer of 2000. Coastal Ocean Program, BTRI Aureococcus. is now a 6-year, $3 million NYSG-managed program. It Partnerships remain a key factor in efforts to brings together numerous investigators, organizations Other results from the BTRI network of investiga- better understanding why Aureococcus thrives in local waters. “We are optimistic that, through and institutions to coordinate tors include the availability of 17 Aureococcus research and outreach efforts strains for experimental study, the establish- working together, we will find the causes of the aimed at determining the ment of laboratory growth conditions, and the bloom’s onset, persistence, and cessation. This physical, chemical and will allow us to develop ways to manage the biological factors that cause, detection of no genetic differences among sustain and lead to the demise Aureococcus strains on the population level. bloom and its effects,” said Gaffney. At the close of the symposium, NYSG Assistant of Aureococcus blooms. Research investigating different aspects of Director Cornelia Schlenk emphasized the Sidebar and article by brown tide has been ongoing since the algae’s importance of providing opportunities for Paul C. Focazio first appearance in 1985 in New York and other researchers to discuss their findings and nearby waters. Since then, Aureococcus has develop synergistic collaborations. “Maintaining an outreach component to keep managers and been identified from Portsmouth, New Hamp- Photo by Barbara Branca shire to Virginia, including Maryland’s Chesapeake all interested parties Bay. Brown tide is not just a northeastern United informed about the States phenomenon as an “in press” scientific ongoing research is also report (for which SCDHS’s Robert Nuzzi is a critical, especially as contributing author) documents the presence of brown tide is a factor in Aureococcus in Saldanha Bay, South Africa. the Comprehensive Management Plans of both Episodic blooms have been detrimental to the the South Shore Estuary Peconic Estuary bay scallop industry, with Reserve and the Peconic potential impacts to eelgrass beds. Added Estuary Program.” Boyer, “Although brown tides do not appear to pose a health threat to humans, its presence may have negative impacts on recreational fishing, boating and swimming.” Dr. Gregory Boyer (left) discussing brown tide with NYSG’s Patrick Dooley who coordinated And why are there still so many questions, the symposium. concerns and hypotheses since the 1985 brown tide bloom in Long Island? One of the main reasons is, as Kana explained at the sympo- sium, “Brown tide is very intermittent, which can make it difficult to study.” Research has
If you’re interested in how the body reacts to severe stress, whether it be encountered at great depths, high altitude or heavy exercise, researcher Claes Lundgren says, “It is useful to push the body to its limits. These conditions allow you to look at how the body reacts as if it were under a magnifying glass.” Lundgren is Director of the Center for Research and Education in Special Environments (CRESE) at SUNY Buffalo, which is set up to determine how the human body copes with extreme conditions.
Under the magnifying glass in Lundgren’s studies is “the diving response,” a universal reaction shared by all mammals to going
underwater. And Lundgren’s studies – With her training boat overhead, Mehgan dives in for a practice run in including seven New York Sea Grant-funded 1997. Learn more about her diving experiences at
Says Lundgren, “It’s important to have a scientifically series in 1990 and Turner Broadcasting System’s “Ripley’s grounded understanding of the physiology of breath-hold Believe it or Not!” in 2000. In the “Ripley’s” segment, which diving. This knowledge is vital for recommending safe also featured free-diver Mehgan Heaney-Grier, Lundgren swimming and diving practices, training of both breathing and offered his expertise on the topic of deep sea diving. breath-hold divers, and the diagnosis and treatment of diving and near-drowning accident cases.” Caution Down Below According to Lundgren, a professor of physiology and In the early 1990s, Lundgren headed a NYSG-funded investiga- biophysics, “the diving response” kicks in when the diver tion on the physiology of the diving response in male and starts to breath-hold and water cools the face as he or she female expert divers. Utilizing a state-of-the art hyperbaric glides further down into the depths of the ocean. Exposure to chamber, where pressure can be increased to simulate great excessive depths, though, can cause a collapse of the lungs, depths, his team examined the slowing of the heart, blood cardiac arrest, blackouts, decompression sickness and, at distribution, and gas uptake and exchange dynamics. Findings worst, death. supported the idea that, especially in cold water, people with cardiovascular ailments have a greater risk of potentially Decompression sickness (DCS) can affect divers of all types serious circulatory disturbances if engaged in diving. – SCUBA and breath-hold, recreational and commercial – severely disabling them or causing death. DCS occurs when The practical results from Lundgren’s breath-hold diving project inert gas bubbles, usually nitrogen, accumulate in the body peaked the interest of PBS’s “Scientific American Frontiers” as a result of improper decompression during ascent. Utilizing 8 Watch a hyperbaric chamber, Lundgren and his investigators apnea training –activities done in a conducted three NYSG-funded DCS research projects. state of breath-hold, such as The team examined methods of reducing the potential immersion of the face in cold water. Mehgan is on her for decompression sickness by examining modifica- “What happens in the training period way to a depth of tions of its effects on the human circulation. is that the defensive protective 165 feet (50.3m) in mechanisms develop and become August 1997 (left). Among the findings, breathing pure oxygen during increasingly better,” he says. Although Mehgan has broken her decompression at the lowest possible ambient previous record of pressure was shown to reduce sickness-related Before each dive into the depths, 155 feet (47.2m) in symptoms. Also, the pharmacological agents, Mehgan says, “everything you do October 1996 (top), Terbutalin and Isoproterenol, were identified as should be carried out in a very it is six-time possibly allowing faster decompression. relaxed state.” So once she champion Tanya Streeter who engages in a period of reflection holds the women’s But if Mehgan let all the “what ifs” intimidate her, she and breathing, she’s ready to take world record for may not have made it to such great depths with her the plunge. At 30 feet below, Mehgan’s body loses its an unassisted dive at 220 feet breath-hold diving. On October 21, 1996, before boatloads natural buoyancy. She stops kicking and begins to (67m). Streeter’s Web site, of press, family and friends, Mehgan dove to 155 plummet through the sea. “You’re sinking like a stone,
Photos by Tommaso Nobili 9 New Directions Coordinated Issue Area in Tourism Fostering Coastal Businesses Coastal businesses of the ten counties that border NY’s Great Lakes are looking Whether to a boat builder, marina operator, or a dive boating is the single most important economic activity for alternative marketing shop owner along the state’s marine or freshwater associated with the use of the Sound, generating strategies to increase the number of visitors traveling shores, New York Sea Grant has provided information several billion dollars annually. Economic studies of to the region. “New essential to coastal businesses since its 1971 two other LI estuaries found that recreational boating program efforts becoming inception. In the most recent decade, NYSG’s efforts facilities had the largest economic impact of any of the more popular in the region have been to help businesses maintain their competi- water-dependent uses in the region. include agritourism, tiveness in the face of new regulations and require- But while boating is a significant revenue generator in ecotourism and nature-based tourism,” says NYSG coastal ments aimed at reducing environmental impacts. And in coastal areas, the marine facilities that provide the tourism specialist Diane the last couple of years, NYSG has helped some infrastructure necessary for this activity are typically Kuehn, who has taught a coastal entrepreneurs in design approaches to enhance relatively small businesses operating at very low profit course on ecotourism and their businesses in the newest area of coastal tourism margins— usually less than five percent. Because they interpretation at SUNY CESF. — ecotourism. are on the water, these facilities often have high Ecotourism is on the overhead expenses associated with the high cost of increase in the unique sand Under the broad heading of economic leadership, New waterfront property and specialized marina equipment dunes area on the eastern- York Sea Grant’s research and outreach efforts focus and structures. Added to those expenses, marine most shore of Lake Ontario on three related areas: marine business operation and recreational facilities must also meet some of the most where dunes rise to a height management, recreation/tourism planning and rigorous environmental standards due to their second only to those of Cape Cod on the east coast. The development, and underwater resource management. waterfront location. Federal, state and local govern- dunes protect wetlands from By funding state-of-the-art research, compiling existing ments are implementing pollution control programs and the lake’s wave action and data, and producing diverse publications, NYSG is able regulations that may require many marine facilities to form a unique ecological to effectively communicate needed information to implement costly changes in facility design and system. So how can tourism water-dependent businesses and other stakeholders. operation. Improper implementation of proposed grow while preserving this unique ecosystem? One environmental requirements could drive smaller, less popular site had 30,000 Marine Business Operation and Management profitable enterprises out of business. visitors in 2000. So in 2001 With a diversity of coastal water resources found the DEC partnered with essentially nowhere else in the country, New York’s At the national level, Sea Grant professionals have NYSG and the Nature identified the need for reliable, technically-sound Conservancy to fund a salt, brackish and fresh waters provide the base for student internship program over 2,000 recreational marine-related businesses with information on the economic and environmental focusing on preserving the more than 850 boat dealers, 32 boat builders and over impacts associated with recreational boating and 17 mile strip of rare dunes. 1,000 marinas that serve over 526,000 registered marinas in order to foster wise decision making. Sea Supervised by NYSG’s dune boaters in the state. Grant has recognized that government officials and habitat coordinator, Molly A. decision makers need help in better understanding the Thompson, the interns are providing visitor education Public and private boating facilities, such as marinas needs and constraints of this industry and evaluating on the preservation of sand and boatyards, are an important part of the coastal the effectiveness and cost of regulations and policies dunes in several sites.The recreation and tourism infrastructure and economy. aimed at reducing pollution from marine facilities. interns lead field trips for These facilities provide access to the water for residents and tourists on At the program level, NYSG professionals help marked trails while also thousands of visitors and residents while generating collecting data to be used to billions of dollars to state and regional economies. The recreational boating facility operators identify and interpret the health of the EPA’s Long Island Sound Study found that recreational implement pollution control measures in a cost- dunes and success of effective manner. NYSG specialist Jay Tanski worked protection efforts. with Coecles Harbor Marina and Boatyard to create a Photos by Jay Tanski demonstration site for Best Management Practices (BMPs) for marina pollution control. The marina served as living classroom where marina operators were shown first-hand a variety of all practices that reduce and control pollution sources from marine facilities. Workshops allowed participants to observe the use of equipment, products and operational procedures to minimize pollution in a “real world” setting. Tanski reports that of the respondents to a workshop evaluation questionnaire, all had invested some money Marina operators are in pollution control measures. “The average expenditure shown first-hand a variety of techniques was $5,439. If this average is applied to the estimated from material handling number of marine facilities operators attending, the to hull maintenance to workshops may have helped account for over $489,500 storm water 10 management. A Hudson Valley marina. “Growing” Photo courtesy of Nordica Holochuck. Businesses
Boaters, fishers, divers and other recreationists along New York’s many waterways may top off the day with a trip to another coastal business— a farm stand. worth of pollution control practices being implemented needs of the state’s marine trade industry. Building on NYSG’s Diane Kuehn’s 1999 in area marine facilities.” this strong partnership, Morrisville is the first upstate study was the first to SUNY campus to offer course work directly focused on quantify the impact of agritourism on New York Outreach tools developed on this project included an the needs of this industry.” Already several marina State’s economy—with a educational video, a slide set and a 16-page bulletin, operators are employing new techniques resulting in special look at the ten Storm Water Runoff Management. According to Tanski, cost savings and improved staff response as a result of counties that border Lakes “In addition to being used statewide, 11 other states this course. Ontario and Erie. Kuehn and and two foreign countries have begun using these co-author Duncan Hilchey (Cornell’s Farming materials to train the marina industry. In Florida the New York Sea Grant-funded research is also essential Alternatives Program) bulletin has been distributed to every boatyard.” for providing coastal businesses with up-to-date present study results in information. A cutting-edge study on personal watercraft “Agritourism in New York: Ed Kilgus, President of the Empire State Marine Trade completed by Chad Dawson of SUNY College of Management and Operations.” Association (ESMTA) notes that “Sea Grant extension Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, (see This 8-page fact sheet identifies the types of specialists Jay Tanski on Long Island and Dave White in Summer ’00 Coastlines) focused on identifying conflicts agritourism businesses, and the Great Lakes have been extremely cooperative, between water-based recreation user groups and estimated income, expenses sharing their abilities and technical expertise.” Kilgus recommending ways to resolve these conflicts. With an and profit by business type in was instrumental in getting the law in place that ever-increasing number of personal watercraft and each of NY’s tourism regions. mandates that marina operators stay up-to-date in the boaters in New York waters, the continued enjoyment Kuehn says, “We found that use of the most environmentally-safe bottom painting and safety of water-based recreation has become a 64 percent of the 645 farm- techniques. Bottom paint used on boats contains crucial issue. The research results and recommenda- based businesses we pesticide and operators must take courses and receive tions from Dawson’s NYSG-funded study are currently surveyed plan to expand or 10 credits toward pesticide application re-certification being disseminated to stakeholder groups and diversify their operations in within 6 years. “With the logistic planning of the managers through NYSG publications and workshops. the next five years, while nearly seven percent say courses by White and Tanski, Sea Grant has served as they may be out of business an advisory arm in the re-certification program,” says Underwater Resource Management in that time.” Liability and Kilgus who has used the slide set as part of state-wide Another emerging area of interest, especially in the ten liability insurance top the list training for marine operators and distributed Tanski’s counties that border the Great Lakes, is that of use of of agritourism business bulletin to all members. owners’ concerns with our underwater resources. Spurred on in large part by marketing and labor costs, the increase in water clarity brought on by the zebra government regulations and In another collaboration with the ESMTA, as well as mussel, there is increasing interest in gaining access to taxes right behind. The pair with the NYSDEC, NYSG conducted a thorough these resources and increasing their use by divers, is currently working on statewide inventory of the marina industry of New York historians and the general public. With interest on the another fact sheet looking at State. Upon completion of the inventory, a desk agritourism marketing rise, there is more of a need for definitive public policy strategies. reference was developed for agency use, including a for the long-term management of underwater resources. New York State Marina Guide and web site made available to the public. With these two groups and The related businesses served by NYSG research and other state and not-for-profit organizations, NYSG has outreach activities in this issue area are dive charter Photo by Diane Kuehn produced numerous guides and fact sheets for boaters operations, dive shop owners, dive clubs and other on pumpout facilities, boating and marina regulations, related businesses. To make an analysis of the SCUBA boating emergencies, the impacts of exotic species on diving community and its economic impact in New boating, and boating access guides. York’s Great Lakes region, NYSG-funded researcher Sharon L. Todd of SUNY Cortland completed an in- Not only is New York Sea Grant proactive in the transfer depth survey in 2000. Todd’s study created of vital technical information to marina owners and benchmarks for the diving community’s impact in the operators, Sea Grant is innovative in teaching the next region, identified the primary business motivation generation of marina managers, planners and decision factors for dive business owners and surveyed diver makers. NYSG Great Lakes program leader, David preferences. The study results were presented at White says, “New York Sea Grant, in partnership with Great Lakes Underwater 2000 (See page 12, SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Farm stands like this one along Lake Ontario Morrisville, is continuing to look at the educational make up the greatest percentage of Continued on page 14 agritourism business types for 10 of the state’s 11 tourism regions. 11 Reeling in Results for School
This June, educators from around the state Photo by Lou Siegel, Oceanside High School convened at Southampton College of Long Island University for the annual conference of the New York State Marine Educators Associa- tion. The three-day event centered around the theme of “Marine Science: Hooking Your Students on the Natural World.” Says NYSG’s Long Island Sound Study specialist, Kimberly Zimmer, treasurer for NYSMEA, “This concept is at the heart of an effort to more effectively infuse marine sciences into the state’s and nation’s educational curricula.” NYSMEA members and Southampton staff The conference featured a lecture by speaker prepare a 36 foot trimaran, for a field trip and field trip leader Dr. Stephen P. out onto Shinnecock Bay. Leatherman. Leatherman is one of the tion exhibited their programs throughout the world’s foremost beach experts, a Florida weekend, which concluded with a behind the International University in Miami professor, scenes tour of Atlantis Aquarium in and author of 1998’s America’s Best Riverhead. Says Zimmer, “It was a fun and Beaches. Also, attendees participated in exciting weekend filled with opportunities for workshops on whales, birds, turtles and fish educators to network and learn new activities and joined in on kayak trips, beach walks and to bring back to the classroom to excite boat surveys. The curricula activities included students about the marine environment.” For Project Wet, aquaria in schools, teaching additional information on NYSMEA, log on to marine science for the regents, and the its web site,
Making a Splash in Oswego
Oswego was again the scene on March 10th for culminated nearly ten years of hard work and Great Lakes Underwater! This, the fifth install- determination of many people involved in diving, ment of the annual shipwreck symposium, was historic preservation, community development, sponsored by New York Sea Grant and the and education in the Oswego area and through- Oswego Maritime Foundation. One of the many out the state.” shipwrecks discussed at the event, held at SUNY Oswego, was The Keystorm, a freighter According to Phil Church, OMF’s Director of the whose wreck lies on its side on a steep shoal, Submerged Cultural Resource Program, “History forever pointing its bow upward toward the sunlit buffs or anyone who enjoys true stories of surface of the St. Lawrence River. adventure and exploration are drawn to this annual event for its professional presentations, Last May at Great Lakes Underwater IV, history exhibits and displays.” was made on the evening news as the Syracuse- based ABC affiliate station WIXT NewsChannel 9 Great Lakes Underwater VI is already in the televised perhaps the first-ever live broadcast of planning stages for next March. Potential topics an underwater ribbon-cutting. Twelve feet include a discussion regarding the process for underwater, five divers helped dedicate the sinking ships and the George T. Davie, the David W. Mills Submerged Cultural Preserve and newest shipwreck site off Kingston, Ontario. Dive Site in Lake Ontario. According to NYSG’s — Dave White Great Lakes program coordinator David White, Great Lakes Program Coordinator “The buoying and marking of this preserve 12 Avian Botulism in Lake Erie Sea Grant Responds
For birders, both novices and those with environmental conditions that existed during extensive life lists, the chance to see a the outbreaks. During the second day of the common loon is exciting. Last fall, their conference, several breakout sessions were excitement turned to disappointment as they convened to address the research agenda found many of these beautiful birds washed questions that were posed to participants. up along the New York shore of Lake Erie. Although organizers realized that the meeting And loons weren’t the only dead birds found – was premature from a research data stand- hundreds of mergansers, grebes, mallard point, they wanted to create a functioning ducks, ring-billed and herring gulls, and other network of scientists who could work together dead waterfowl littered the shoreline. These on research issues and respond to future birds were killed by avian botulism, a outbreaks, if needed. bacterial disease that can wipe out entire flocks of waterfowl. According to the New As a result of the workshop, response teams York State Department of Environmental were developed for each state and Ontario, in Conservation, the agency in charge of case there are future botulism outbreaks. collecting, counting and conducting pathology Several teams have been formed and on the birds, more than 5,000 birds were research proposals are being developed to impacted by the outbreak in 2000. address research questions that came out of the conference. It is hoped the work and Avian botulism, a disease caused by collaborations that began at the workshop Clostridium botulinum, has been recognized will be able to answer some of the questions as a major cause of mortality in migratory and fill in the information gaps surrounding birds since the 1900s. Although type C this devastating problem. botulism has caused the die-off of thousands of waterfowl (especially ducks) across the — Helen Domske western United States, type E botulism has NYSG Coastal Education Specialist been mainly restricted to fish-eating birds in the Great Lakes. Other outbreaks of type E have sporadically occurred in Alaska, Florida Photo by Larry Smith, Conservation and California, and periodic outbreaks have Office, PA Game Commission occurred in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron over a 20-year period beginning in 1964. During 1999 and 2000, a large die-off of waterfowl occurred in Lake Erie and type E botulism was isolated in these outbreaks.
In response to the outbreaks, New York and Pennsylvania Sea Grant co-sponsored the first Lake Erie conference on avian botulism in Erie, Pennsylvania, on January 24-25, 2001. This conference brought together more than 60 researchers, fishery and wildlife biologists, resource managers and agency representatives. The goal of the workshop was to share findings from both the American and Canadian shores and develop a A dead gull and dead fish along research agenda for future efforts. Organiz- Lake Erie’s shore, 2000. PA Sea ers wanted to determine the extent of the Grant’s Eric Obert reports that botulism problem based on geography and this sight has been common during the summer of 2001, too. 13 Lobster Mortalities continued from page 5: Summary of NYSG-funded Lobster Projects
Robert E. Wilson, R. Lawrence Swanson and Duane E. seawater, sediment, and possibly lobster tissues. They are LIS Lobster Waliser, of Stony Brook University’s Marine Science particularly interested in sampling water after storm events Initiative Research Center (MSRC), will examine influence of water when concentrations may be highest. “The results of this quality factors such as temperature, salinity, dissolved study should provide a strong indication whether or not “The research topics oxygen, and pollutants with respect to the lobster pesticide use is likely to contribute to degraded lobster highlighted in our request for mortalities. Says Wilson of the generally hardy American health in Long Island Sound,” states McElroy. The study proposals are a direct result of the year 2000 meetings,” lobster, “The lobsters are vulnerable to stress and will also shed light on the effects of temperature on the says NYSG Director Jack sometimes mortality when exposed to unfavorable immune response of young lobsters. Mattice. In April 2000, over environmental conditions, especially during the molt cycle. 250 lobstermen, research- Environmental factors can act singularly or in combination SUNY Purchase’s Jan Factor will look at how lobsters ers, resource managers, to cause sub-lethal stress that increases sensitivity to defend themselves against infection and disease. He will legislators of federal and state agencies as well as events that would normally be tolerated. Significantly develop methods that will allow the assessment of cellular environmental organizations elevated bottom temperatures during the summer and fall defenses against infection and disease after sub-lethal came together for the first of 1999 lead us to focus primarily on co-variations in exposure to environmental stresses and toxic substances. annual LIS Lobster Health temperature and dissolved oxygen.” Says Factor, “Our research may lead to an explanation of Symposium in Stamford, the recent mortalities by enabling assessment of impacts Connecticut. Glenn Lopez and Robert Cerrato, also of MSRC Stony on the immune system that may lead to lethal infections.” The gathering in Connecticut Brook, will find out to what extent high summer tempera- – which featured experts who tures in Long Island Sound’s bottom waters have negative At the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Robert S. discussed some of the then- impacts on lobsters and if larger lobsters are more Anderson of the University of Maryland Center for current hypotheses to explain susceptible to temperature stress than smaller ones. The Environmental Sciences will use cutting-edge biotechnology the lobster die-off in the Sound – was succeeded by results of their lab studies may be used to predict the to measure the blood cell-related defense system of the May 2000’s “Lobsters and effects of long term changes in summer temperatures on lobster against disease. “This research will lay the the Long Island Sound: the health of the LIS lobster population. The study will shed groundwork for discerning changes in immune response 1999-2000.” This meeting, light on normal patterns of lobster stress and mortality as due to toxicity or other environmental stressors,” explains at Stony Brook University, well as the extraordinary mortality event of fall 1999. Anderson. gave researchers and administrators an opportunity to discuss with lobstermen Anne McElroy and Bruce Brownawell, of SBU’s MSRC will By comparing shell disease in lobsters from eastern Long the research priorities that address the potential link between pesticide use and Island Sound with those from Buzzards Bay, Massachu- came from April’s lobster mortality. They will measure mortality and immune setts, Andrei Chistoserdov (MSRC) and Roxanna symposium. response in larval and juvenile lobsters exposed to Smolowitz (Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole) will environmentally realistic levels of pesticides (Malathion, identify the kinds of bacteria that cause lobster shell Methoprene, and selected pyrethroids such as Anvil and disease. The team will also design a set of specific probes Page 14 sidebar and article Scourge). The team will also develop ways to measure that will be used to test for such pathogens. by Paul C. Focazio and levels of these pesticides and their breakdown products in Barbara A.Branca
Fostering Coastal Businesses Continued from page 11
Currents) and more recently at the Northeast results showed that the rate of nitrogen elimination Recreational Research Symposium. In addition to does not appear to play a role in the susceptibility of publishing the symposium proceedings, NYSG hosts older persons to decompression sickness as had workshops and assists state agencies and been hypothesized. However, there is a correlation stakeholders who can directly implement the study’s between a diver’s plasma triglycerides and a tendency recommendations. to form bubbles with decompression. Lundgren’s seminal work on decompression sickness and breath- While Todd’s research has been a socio-economic hold diving is highlighted in CoastWatch on page 8 of survey, New York Sea Grant has also sponsored this issue. numerous research projects on the science of diving. —Barbara A. Branca, Jay Tanski and At the State University of New York at Buffalo, Dave White investigators Gerald Logue and Claes E. Lundgren worked to define the role of a diver’s age and the tendency to develop decompression sickness. Their 14 New York Sea Grant Board of Governors Dr. Kraig Adler Vice Chair of Board of Governors; Vice Provost for Life Sciences Cornell University Ordering Publications New York Sea Grant Publications Mr. R. Wayne Diesel Please send requests for the Vice Chancellor for Business Agritourism in New York: Management & Operations. Diane and Industry Relations, SUNY following publications along Kuehn and Duncan Hilchey. 2001. $1.00 with a self-addressed label Dr. D. Merrill Ewert The Economic Contribution of the SPORT FISHING, COMMER- Director, Cornell and check payable to: CIAL FISHING, and SEAFOOD INDUSTRIES to New York State. Cooperative Extension New York Sea Grant Institute Prepared by TechLaw, Inc. for New York Sea Grant. 2001. $5.00 Cornell University Communications Stormwater Runoff Best Management Practices for Marinas: A Dr. Marvin Geller Chair of Board 121 Discovery Hall Guide for Operators. Jay Tanski. 1998. $2.00/$1.25 for Stony Brook University of Governors; multiple copies. Dean and Director, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5001 Marine Sciences (631) 632-9124 Research Center Journal Reprints Stony Brook University Assessing the relative importance of recall bias and Explore us online this summer Dr. Susan A. Henry NEW nonresponse bias and adjusting for those biases in statewide Dean of College of Agriculture In March 2001, NYSG online angler surveys. Nancy A. Connelly, Tommy L. Brown and Barbara and Life Sciences, was honored with the “People’s A. Knuth. 2000. Human Dimensions of Wildlife. 5:19-29. $1.00 Cornell University Choice Award” at Sea Grant Dr. James Lassoie Week, a biennial gathering of Effects of organic carbon, organic nitrogen, inorganic NEW nutrients, and iron additions on the growth of phytoplankton Chair, Department of some 300 individuals represent- Natural Resources ing the 30 Sea Grant programs and bacteria during a brown tide bloom. Christopher Gobler Cornell University nationwide. If you’re not one of and Sergio A. Sañudo-Wilhelmy. 2001. Marine Ecology Progress the 7,300 people who logged on Series. 209:19-34. $1.00 Dr. Walter Lynn to www.nyseagrant.org in June, Director, Center for Environment dive in and discover: Sedimentary characteristics and acoustic detectability of NEW ship-derived deposits in western Lake Ontario. Vicki Lynn Cornell University • What New York industries Ferrini and Roger D. Flood. 2001. Journal of Great Lakes Dr. Jack Y. Narayan have an $11.5 billion impact? Research. 27(2):210-219. $1.00 Dean of Graduate Studies & Research, • Why are a handful of interns Cardiovascular changes during deep breath-hold dives in a combing a 17-mile stretch of SUNY College at Oswego pressure chamber. M. Ferrigno, G. Ferretti, A. Elliss, D. Lake Ontario’s eastern shore? Dr. H. Lorraine Oak • When will our $1.428 million Warkander, M. Costa, P. Cerretelli and C.E.G. Lundgren. 1997. Journal of Applied Physiology. 83(4):1282-1290. $1.00 Associate Dean suite of projects begin under SUNY at Buffalo NY/CT Sea Grant’s LI Sound Diving decompression fails to activate complement. K.A. Lobster Research Initiative? Mr. Francis Pordum Shastri, G.L. Logue, C.E.G.Lundgren, C.J. Logue and D.F. Suggs. Derby, NY 1997. Underwater & Hyperbaric Medicine. 24(2):51-57. $1.00 Our web site also features Dr. William Tully results from a new report on SCUBA DIVING & UNDERWATER CULTURAL RESOURCES. Vice President for LI Sound’s health, insights on Reprint Series 2001. Scuba diving & underwater cultural Academic Affairs personal boating and profiles resources: Differences in environmental beliefs, ascriptions of SUNY College of on saltwater fish such as Environmental Science responsibility, and management preferences based on level of and Forestry bluefish and summer flounder. development. Sharon L. Todd, Tiffany Cooper, Alan R. Graefe And look for this issue of Mr. Michael E. White 2001. Reprinted from Proceedings of the 2000 Northeastern Coastlines as well as other Westbury, NY materials under “Publications.” Recreation Research Symposium. $1.00 Check out the Northeast Sea Grant web site and Ex Officio “Discover a Sea of Science” Members Mr. Gordon Colvin Director of Marine Resources NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Mr. Robert Crowder Policy Analyst, Division of Policy & Research NYS Department of Economic Development 15 Lobster harvesting has been a Long Island tradition since Lobster — Hot ‘n Cold Seafood Corner colonial times. Lobsters are primarily harvested in Long Lobster can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Heather’s Lobster Salad Island Sound with baited pots According to the New York Seafood Council, that are set at the bottom lobsters are at their best in simple presenta- and marked by buoys. The Ingredients lobster pots used today are tions in which whole lobsters are boiled or similar to the pots that were steamed and served with drawn butter. 3 lobsters, live (1 to 1 1/4 lbs each) used throughout the North- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped east for decades. But in How to boil lobster recent years the lobster 1/4 cup yellow pepper, finely chopped industry has implemented 1. Fill a large kettle 3/4 full of salted water; several improvements, one of allowing 2 1/2 quarts per lobster. l large sweet onion, finely chopped which is an increase in the 2. Bring the water to a boil and put the live bunch of parsley, fresh for garnish size of the opening in the lobsters in one at a time, head first. 3/4 cup mayonnaise pots, allowing more young 3. Once the water returns to a boil, simmer and undersized lobster to salt and pepper to taste return to open waters. for an additional 10-15 minutes for a 1 to 1 1/4 pound lobster. Lobsters have a unique 4. Add 2 to 3 minutes for each additional Method lifestyle. Adult lobsters live pound. and feed on the Sound’s Boil lobsters using the suggested steps. rocky bottom along Long Island’s north shore. They Remove from pot and allow lobster to Teacher Heather Lesiewicz made this lobster generally spend their lives in cool before handling. Remove lobster or around the same locality salad for an end-of-school celebration. Heather and don’t tend to migrate far. is the daughter of 30-year veteran lobsterman meat from the tail, body, and claws. Dice They are nocturnal animals Greg Lesiewicz. that generally avoid sunlight, the lobster meat and add the rest of the and will seek out crevices in ingredients, saving the mayonnaise for the rocks to spend the daylight hours, especially in last. Mix gently to combine. Refrigerate. shallow waters. Lobsters eat Serve on greens or your favorite bread or a variety of slow moving bottom-dwelling shellfish like crackers. Serves 8-10 as appetizers. mussels, clams, sea urchins, starfish, worms, crabs—even small fish. With such a delicately flavored diet, it’s no wonder that lobster meat has a sweet flavor and firm texture that many consider to be the best food the sea has to offer. NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID —New York Seafood Council UNIVERSITY AT New York STONY BROOK New York Sea Grant 121 Discovery Hall Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUIRED 11794-5001
New York Sea Grant Bringing provides equal opportunities in employment and Science to programming. Coastlines is printed on recycled paper the Shore and may be made available in an alternative format. http://www.nyseagrant.org