MOSAC-04-01 Observations of Tidal, Subtidal, and Seasonal Variability in Casco Bay Circulation

Carol Janzen
School of Marine Sciences
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207.581.4344
cjanzen@umeoce.maine.edu

Neal Pettigrew
School of Marine Sciences
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207.581.4384
nealp@maine.edu

Casco Bay imports more oil than any other Northeastern port, except New York, handling over 20-million tons of crude oil and oil products annually. It is also New England’s third largest fishing port in terms of dollar value, and host to significant recreational activities. Information about water circulation patterns is needed for spill response in case of oil or chemical spills, and is also useful to groups responsible for managing water quality, fisheries, and environmental health in the bay. However, current understanding of the circulation processes in Casco Bay is limited. The purpose of this research is to observe the tidal and non-tidal circulation and exchange processes in the bay, with emphasis on the transport and exchange through the three main channels separating the inner and outer bays. Information from this study could be used to better understand the complex circulation processes in Casco Bay, evaluate and fine-tune existing or future oil spill trajectory models, and assist with prescribing modeling conditions in the event of a spill.

2-year project, 2004-2006
Year 1: $144,780
Year 2: $51,174
Total MOSAC funds: $195,954