Dr. Joe Buttner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Salem State College and Program Coordinator for the Northeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center. Dr. Joe has three decades of experience in aquatic science working with finfish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms. He has authored over 70 professional/technical articles and is currently involved with outreach efforts. Projects that include integration of aquaculture into the classroom as a science teaching tool aligned with National Educational Standards and exploring opportunities to nurture sustainable aquaculture in fresh and marine waters of Massachusetts.
	Dr. Mark Fregeau is a Professor in and Chair of the Department of Biology at Salem State College and Facilities Coordinator for the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory, housing the Northeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center. Dr. Fregeau has taught at the College for sixteen years, advising students on topics relating to marine biology. His primary interest involves the study of local marine invertebrates, specifically Molluscs. Currently, Dr. Fregeau is focusing on the spawning and rearing of soft-shelled clams (Mya arenaria) to restore shellfish stocks on Cape Ann. Dr. Fregeau is also active in local school systems, developing hands-on practical activities to enhance teaching science.
	Mr. Scott Weston is the Laboratory Technician at the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory, home for the Northeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center, at Salem State College. Scott initially pursued his lifelong interests in marine science at the University of Miami, but transferred to and completed his B.S. in Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology at the University of Rhode Island. He joined the NEMAC team in August 1999 and has focused his attentions on managing the soft shell hatchery at the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory, and maintaining the laboratory's relatively sophisticated operational systems, and keeping shellfish and algae populations healthy.
	Ms. Tara Pelletier is a sophomore majoring in Biology at Salem State College. Tara grew up in Salem and enjoys working with living organisms. Her vocational plans have yet to solidify, but she is keenly interested in ecology. Her experiences at the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory have afforded her the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a "real-life" situation and to gain insight into career options in aquatic science.
	Ms. Bonnie McAneney is a Laboratory Technician at the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory and Northeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center, at Salem State College. In April of 1999 as a biology major at Salem State, Bonnie was one of the first student employees of the laboratory. After obtaining her B.S. from the college in May of 2000 she returned to the NEMAC team both to lend administrative assistance to the lab and with field activities. Bonnie has been primarily involved in monitoring water conditions in the Rowley area in concert with the local shellfish constable. In the past two years her focus has expanded to include a population study of green crabs (Carcinus maenas) -invasive shellfish predators.