Research Projects for 2007
ME08660-01 Gilbert, J.
Role of harbor and gray seals in the Gulf of Maine Ecosystem
Because harbor and gray seal populations have been increasing, they have become a more apparent player in the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, and with their interactions with fisheries and with wild and farm salmonids, information on their numbers and distributions continue to be important. This project assesses the population size and distribution of seals, and assesses their interactions with other components of the ecosystem.
ME08661-02 Rhymer, J.
Fish hosts, population structure and landscape control of the distribution of two rare Atlantic slope freshwater mussels
Although the current distribution of Maine's two rarest mussel species, the yellow lampmussel and tidewater mucket, are well documented, conservation efforts are hampered by lack of knowledge of the fish hosts, population age and genetic structure, and effects of disconnected or deteriorating habitat quality on mussel distribution. The purpose of this study is to understand factors that affect the distribution, population structure and viability of these species in Maine to aid in their conservation.
ME08662-05 Servello, F.
Population and Habitat Ecology of Marsh Birds in Maine
A number of marsh bird species are of management concern in Maine and the northeastern U.S. because of limited information on their population status and ecology. The purpose of this study is determine whether populations of these species are decreasing in Maine and learn more about their habitat requirements.
ME09660-05 Harrison, D.
Landscape-Scale Effects of Forestry on Forest Carnivores and Other Vertebrates Across Commercially Managed Lands in Maine
1) Forest harvesting alters habitat for forest carnivores and their prey through habitat loss and fragmentation. 2) Forest practices and the landscapes comprising commercial forest harvesting in Maine are rapidly changing. 3) The future landscape-scale effects of habitat change, fragmentation, and changing forest policy and harvesting practices on wildlife are unknown. 1) This project will develop models to predict densities of American martens, Canada lynx, snowshoe hares, and red-backed voles across a range of forest stand conditions and harvesting practices.
