
Joyce Murty’s journey as a Water Reporter began with walks along the water. Retired from her career as an attorney and seeking a new purpose, Joyce found herself drawn to South Portland’s coastline, where she began documenting changes she could no longer ignore. Today, she monitors algal blooms at three sites along the Fore River, where she is developing a deeper curiosity about the health of Casco Bay.
“I wanted to do something completely different,” Joyce shared. “When I retired, my goal was to jump into something outside my wheelhouse. Friends of Casco Bay offered me an opportunity to explore an aspect of the environment I knew nothing about.”
Witnessing Change Along the Waterfront
Having lived in South Portland for just over five years, Joyce has noticed alarming changes along the coast. “Even in just five years, I’ve seen drastic changes,” she said, noting storm damage at local beaches, erosion, and even disappearing staircases.
When Friends of Casco Bay put out the call for Water Reporters to regularly visit key sites, Joyce was ready for a deeper commitment. Community Organizer and Volunteer Coordinator Sara Freshley helped Joyce pick out three areas along the Fore River in South Portland to visit regularly: Pleasantdale Cove by Yerxa Park, the outlet of Anthoine Creek, and Mill Cove.
After four months of weekly walks to monitor algal blooms near businesses, roads, and oil tanks, Joyce’s awareness of environmental shifts has sharpened. “Documenting algae here has helped me see the Bay in a completely new way,” she said. “At Willard Beach, I think of how changes affect my recreation. But, the spots I monitor now are more industrial and commercial. They make me ask different questions: Is this healthy? What’s happening here? What did this area look like 20 or 30 years ago?”
Consistency Builds Insight
By photographing the same locations at low tide each week, Joyce has created a valuable record of algae growth. Sara Freshley notes, “The consistent record that Joyce’s photos are creating, not only helps us in the short term but will be valuable for years to come as the Bay continues to change.”


These photos of Pleasantdale Cove, captured in 2024 by Water Reporter Joyce Murty, illustrate seasonal changes in algal blooms. The July photos depict nuisance algal blooms, whereas the October images show one bloom has decreased significantly and the other has persisted.
Joyce’s regular visits to these three coves are also sparking her own questions about the underlying causes of these blooms, such as nitrogen levels and stormwater runoff. Algal blooms in coastal areas are often fueled by excess nitrogen from fertilizers, untreated stormwater, and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). By documenting the timing, location, and intensity of these blooms, Joyce’s photos contribute to a growing database that helps scientists identify trends and potential sources of pollution. This data supports collaborative efforts with local municipalities, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and other stakeholders to address these issues and improve water quality.
Encouraging Others to Notice
Joyce hopes her work as a Water Reporter inspires others to pay closer attention to the changes happening along the waterfront. “A lot of people don’t go to the waterfront that much because their day-to-day lives are so busy. But when you actually go and see the changes, you learn a lot,” she said. “Reading about sea level rise is one thing, but witnessing it? That’s another. I want people to get out there and really see what’s happening.”
For Joyce, being a Water Reporter is about more than collecting data. “I love being outside, regardless of the weather, and having a purpose,” she said. “It’s made me more aware of how the Bay is changing and how I can help.”
Want to join Joyce in making a difference? Learn more about becoming a Water Reporter with Friends of Casco Bay and help document the health of our coastal waters.
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