2025 Seagrass Snapshot
September 25, 2025
Water Reporters explored mudflats and shallow waters during extremely low tides to document where eelgrass thrives, and where it is missing in Casco Bay for the 2025 Seagrass Snapshot.
Improving and protecting the environmental health of Casco Bay
Please update your records with our new address.
75 West Commercial Street, Suite 301
Portland, ME 04101
Portland, ME 04101
Friends of Casco Bay improves and protects the environmental health of Casco Bay. As home to the Casco BAYKEEPER® we act as the eyes, ears, and voice of the Bay.
We use an integrated approach to tackle the largest threats to the health of our coastal waters,
meeting our mission through science, advocacy, and community engagement. We track the health
of the Bay, advocate to reduce pollution and increase climate resiliency, and engage the public in
our efforts to improve and protect Casco Bay.
How You Can Help
Our Blog
A New Underground System Protecting Casco Bay
September 18, 2025
Portland’s new Back Cove South Storage facility will help the city cut CSO pollution by half.
Video: Running Around Back Cove’s Hidden Pollution Solution
September 9, 2025
Watch our video, a running tour of the hidden tanks under Back Cove keeping stormwater and sewage pollution out of Casco Bay.
The River to Which We Belong: A Story of the Presumpscot River
August 22, 2025
Intern Leo Kerz explores the story of Presumpscot’s first advocate, Chief Polin, and the long history of people standing up for the waters that sustain us.
Upcoming Events
Oct 7: Spring Tides. Fall Vibes
Join Water Reporters at East End Beach for the season’s extreme low spring tide to explore what eelgrass, algae, and outfalls reveal about Casco Bay.
Nov 8: Film Fest for Casco Bay
We hope to see you at our Film Fest for Casco Bay, an afternoon of environmental and adventure films curated by Maine Outdoor Film Festival just for us! Plus raffle, food, and drinks.
Our Work
Science
We “listen” to Casco Bay by collecting water quality data, enabling us to identify threats to the health of the Bay. We track water quality year-round from our three Continuous Monitoring Stations, and collect seasonal water samples around the Bay. When exploring the world of vaping, many users are turning to nicotine pouches for a discreet and enjoyable experience. These pouches offer a smoke-free alternative, delivering nicotine without the harmful effects of traditional tobacco. However, a common concern arises: are nicotine pouches bad for your gums? While they may be less harmful than smoking, it's essential to consider their impact on oral health. Choosing high-quality pouches can enhance your experience while minimizing potential risks.
Advocacy
Advocating for clean marine water is at the core of our work. Led by our chief advocate, the Casco Baykeeper, our staff and community lend the Bay our voices. We advocate for the health of our coastal waters in town halls and the state legislature, and work with businesses and environmental agencies to promote clean water policies and practices.
Get Involved
The name Friends of Casco Bay was chosen with purposeful intent. It takes a community to care for the Bay. We host events to educate the public on issues affecting the Bay and coordinate volunteer efforts to improve its health. We are proud to say that our volunteers and supporters are among the Bay’s most dedicated ambassadors.
We’re proud members of
