Seagrass and Society – Underwater Plants as a Critical Resource
August 14, 2022 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
A Virtual and In-Person Illustrated talk by Jamie Vaudrey, Ph.D. on Seagrass, the ribbon-like plant found rooted underwater along Fishers Island’s coasts that is a vital and vibrant resource for both marine animals and humans.
These underwater meadows formed of seagrass are found where water quality is good, and the water around Fishers Island hosts some of the best seagrass meadows in Long Island Sound and Fishers Island Sound. These meadows are nursery grounds and a source of food for many marine animals, reduce the energy of waves reaching the coastline, and store carbon, alleviating the impact of climate change. Join us as we explore seagrass through the ages and chart a path forward to expanding acres of meadows and learn about the advantages this brings to the blue (ocean-based) economy of the Sounds.
Time: Sunday, August 14, 2022 @ 4:00 – 5:00 P.M.
Place: In-person at the Museum, 2nd Floor
DUE TO LIMITED SEATING, IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND “IN-PERSON” PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR THIS PROGRAM BY CALLING (631) 788-7239 OR EMAILING THE MUSEUM.
FOR VIRTUAL ACCESS, NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Webinar ID: 881 9089 2878
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kIs7fpRhe
Dr. Vaudrey’s research interests are in the area of ecosystem dynamics in the coastal zone, specifically in the effect of land-use on the coastal environment and how anthropogenic changes to the landscape may change our coastal ecosystems. She is specifically interested in the relationship between human activities and expression of eutrophication in large systems (Narragansett Bay, Long Island Sound) and small embayments of these larger systems. She also has an interest in seagrass systems as indicators of a desirable state of water quality and inputs to coastal systems. She has been involved with a variety of seagrass projects throughout New England, including assessing genetic diversity of eelgrass, evaluating restoration projects, and developing a model to assist with the siting of restoration projects.
Vaudrey received a B.A. in Biology with a minor in Philosophy from Wellesley College, MA and a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Connecticut. She is currently research faculty in the Department of Marines Sciences at UConn and has recently been the UConn lead for the establishment of a National Estuarine Research Reserve in Connecticut, which opens its’ door in July 2022.
