Academics

Developing projects of the Northeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center (NEMAC) at the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory investigate the biology of regionally important shellfish (e.g., mussels, soft shelled clams, Atlantic scallops, and oysters) and finfish (e.g., flounder, striped bass, mummichogs) as well as environmental impacts of aquaculture. Additional projects focus on marine biology and ecology of coastal Massachusetts. Recent Projects include:

Soft Shell Clam Culture

Most of NEMAC’s effort at the Cat Cove Marine Laborotory focuses on the spawning and rearing of softshell clams (Mya arenaia) to 2-15 mm shell length (SL). Over 3 million clams are produced each year and distributed to communities in Massachusetts to enhance the fishery. more >

Hubline Clam Flat Restoration Project

Collaborative efforts between NEMAC and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) to restore and enhance softshell clams in Boston Harbor continue. Since 2006, over 2.5 million clams have been spawned and grown to a suitable size (preferably > 10 mm Shell Length) at the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory for seeding at selected sites approved by DMF personnel and Town officials in Hingham, Hull, Quincy, Weymouth, and Winthrop

Longline Blue Mussel Culture

NOAA Fisheries contracted with researchers at the Salem State University’s Northeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center (NEMAC) to support a demonstration mussel farm in federal waters off the coast of Massachusetts. We are currently working to obtain permits for establishing a commercial scale (33 acre) offshore mussel farm off the coast of Cape Ann Massachusetts. Our primary objective is to define the permitting process in federal waters and to investigate offshore mussel culture as an alternative fishing option for fishermen and lobstermen currently displaced or negatively impacted by current fishery restrictions.   more >

Ocean and Coastal Monitoring in Salem Sound

The marine fouling community is monitored for marine invasive species on a quarterly basis by researchers and students at Salem State University. Additionally water quality and climate data are routinely collected at Cat Cove.  more>

Long-term Ecological Monitoring of Rocky Subtidal Substrates in Massachusetts Bay

Since 1977, Ken Sebens at the University of Washington, Friday Harbor Laboratories has continued to monitor the rocky subtidal community at five sites in Massachusetts Bay with assistance from Ted Maney of Salem State University. Two sites are at Halfway Rock outside Salem Sound and three sites are off East Point, Nahant.