Tag Archives: Brian Beal
Declining worm harvest poses challenge for diggers, scientists
It’s a dirty job, but digging for blood and sand worms along the Maine coast can pay well, particularly in areas of the state where it can be hard to make a living. Maine’s annual harvest of these popular bait worms, however, continues to decline, posing a quandary for marine biologists who cite climate change and predation as possible factors. Wormers, as they’re called, would like to work with marine biologists to ensure a healthy and robust industry.,, Washington County worm diggers have their own theories. “You have biologists that come around, and I’m not taking away from people who go to school, but very few of them say, ‘Well, what do you guys think?’” says Fred Johnson of Steuben, president of the Down East chapter of the Independent Maine Marine Worm Harvesters Association. “They don’t see the changes in that inner benthic zone that we’ve seen over the years,” Bayrd says. Read the story here 14:27
Researchers cultivating arctic surf clams in Maine mud flats, hope to create interest among sushi lovers
Brian Beal, professor of marine ecology at the University of Maine-Machias and director of research at the Downeast Institute on Great Wass Island in Beals, has his eyes on the arctic surf clam, but for a different reason. Read more here 08:41
