Salt marshes are coastal wetlands found along the sheltered shorelines of estuaries in temperate regions around the world (Figure 1). These marshes are dominated by salt tolerant grasses that withstand being regularly flooded by...
Hard clams or quahogs (Mercenaria mercenaria) are one of the most popular species of clams along the East Coast of North America. They support important commercial and recreational fisheries as well as a growing...
Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix; Figure 1) is a highly predatory saltwater species found in most coastal areas around the world. Bluefish are opportunistic and voracious feeders that commonly prey on small forage fish such as...
Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis; Figure 1) are a species of char native to the eastern half of North America. Though commonly associated with headwater streams in the mountains, populations of brook trout have historically...
The Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a marine invertebrate whose native range spans from the Gulf of Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. This species is ecologically and economically important. Several species of...
Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) have traditionally been farmed on leased shellfish beds in estuaries. The most common oyster farming technique in Connecticut waters is called bottom culture. In bottom culture, an oyster bed is...
Marine debris is a major issue in coastal and marine ecosystems around the world. While large accumulations of floating debris, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, are the most visible, some other types...
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are areas where human activities are restricted for conservation or historical purposes. These restrictions can include limitations on fishing, development, and anything that disrupts aquatic life. In the United States,...
Blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) are a species of crab native to estuaries along the western Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to northern Argentina (Figure 1). They live on soft-bottom habitats and are omnivorous, feeding...
Green crabs (Carcinus maenas) are a relatively small species of crab that live in intertidal zones and shallow coastal waters (Figure 1). They are native to the Atlantic coast of Europe and North Africa...
