Coastal Ecosystems

Maine’s extensive coastline varies from sand dune systems and barrier beaches in the south, to rocky peninsulas and numerous islands in the central portion of the state, to the steep cliffs and rugged shores Downeast. Large bays, salt marshes, mud flats, beaches, rocky intertidal zones, and river and streams support commercial fisheries and tourism, which depend on clean water, plentiful marine resources, and diverse wildlife. Our work in this focus area informs and improves state and community-based ecosystem management efforts through research, monitoring, providing facilitation and coordination for water quality, habitat and ecosystem management initiatives.

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