The Martha’s Vineyard Commission presented a water quality management policy with an emphasis on the high nitrogen in coastal ponds.

Phragmites can be a valuable tool for removing nitrogen in Vineyard ponds, according to new research presented to a packed meeting in the West Tisbury Library Monday afternoon.

Torrents of rain from recent storms have caused Vineyard Great Ponds to rise to historic levels, threatening shellfish and surrounding homes.

Regular removal of phragmites is an effective and efficient way to improve the health of coastal ponds, a study has found.

The overall health of the Edgartown Great Pond has shown significant improvement over the past decade, according to a report released Tuesday from the nonprofit Great Pond Foundation.

With funding approved to pilot a new type of septic system in the Lagoon Pond and Lake Tashmoo watersheds, Tisbury may soon find itself a step ahead in a race to preserve coastal ponds.