By ROBERT BUCHSBAUM
May 1998: The final project report for the Plum Island Sound Minibay Project has been completed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society's North Shore Conservation Advocacy office. The project, funded by the Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP) in 1990, has been the first comprehensive examination of this estuary in about thirty years. Plum Island Sound was chosen as one of three MBP Mini-Bays projects because of its ecological and economic importance.
The report includes a description of the region, including a look at the natural habitats and the three towns (Ipswich, Rowley and Newbury) that border Plum Island sound. A number of chapters summarize the water quality data, with particular emphasis on fecal coliforms and the flushing characteristics of the Sound in both wet and dry weather. Historical trends in fish and bird populations are described, as are present and potential environmental challenges facing the extensive salt marshes and other habitats that support such an abundance of life in this estuary. Finally, management measures are proposed, that would ensure the vitality of this region.
The Project has spawned a number of action-oriented initiatives. One of these efforts is the Great Marsh Summit Initiative, in which “action teams” comprised of state and local agencies, local groups and citizens are working to conserve vital pieces of land, restore anadromous fish runs, restore salt marshes, and improve water quality in the region.
Plum Island Sound Minibays Report
The report should be available for the public by this summer. Copies will also be given to the libraries and town halls in Ipswich, Rowley and Newbury. For more information, please call the Massachusetts Audubon North Shore office at (978) 927-1122.
