When Dr. Jim Haney, a professor of biological science at the University of New Hampshire, first saw the results of cyanobacteria sampling from six of the Island's coastal ponds, he thought there had been a mistake.
Preliminary sampling and analysis from researchers with the University of New Hampshire have revealed high levels of dangerous toxins from cyanobacteriain many of the Island’s ponds.
Martha’s Vineyard’s 13 coastal ponds are unique, globally rare estuarine ecosystems that dot the edges of Island.
A three-year study by the Martha's Vineyard Commission revealed both continued high levels of nitrogen in some ponds, while others showed improvement.
A record quahaug spawn at the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group comes as a boon to Island towns this year where saltwater ponds are seeded annually as part of shellfish management programs.
The Martha’s Vineyard Commission landed a $250,000 federal grant this week for an innovative project to reduce groundwater pollution in Lagoon Pond.