As we approach the end of our 35th anniversary, we are reflecting on a year filled with impactful stories and incredible moments that highlight our shared commitment to protecting Casco Bay. From groundbreaking research on PFAS and inspiring community action, to creative photo contests and exciting milestones, these stories showcase the power of collaboration and resilience. Dive into our top 10 stories of the year to celebrate the progress we’ve made together—and see how your support makes a difference for Casco Bay.
1. Superheros of the Bay: Eelgrass!
Eelgrass beds are the superheroes of Casco Bay, nurturing marine life and capturing carbon. This year, we joined a collaborative pilot project to investigate the threats facing these underwater meadows. Working with Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Team Zostera, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and Manomet, we researched how nitrogen pollution, warmer waters, and invasive green crabs are impacting eelgrass. Meanwhile, our incredible Water Reporters got their boots wet, documenting eelgrass at extreme low tides to help us better understand the big picture.
2. PFAS: Uncovering Risks to Casco Bay
This year, we delved into the “forever chemicals” threatening Casco Bay, sharing 10 key findings about PFAS, from their sources to their far-reaching effects on marine life and human health. We also revealed results from our 2023 sampling efforts, including PFAS detections at every site tested in the Bay. These discoveries highlight the urgent need for solutions and underscore why we’re expanding our efforts to understand and address this pollution.
Read more: PFAS Sampling Results in Casco Bay
Read more: 10 Things We’ve Learned About PFAS in Casco Bay
3. PFAS Spill at Brunswick Landing: A Call to Action
When a PFAS spill was discovered at Brunswick Landing, we took swift action, advocating for cleanup and accountability. In a letter to the community, Casco Baykeeper Ivy Frignoca emphasized the risks these “forever chemicals” pose to the Bay, its wildlife, and communities. We continue to press for solutions to prevent future contamination and protect Casco Bay’s health and resilience.
In collaboration with with Bigelow Laboratories, we will continue monitoring PFAS throughout the Bay in 2025.
4. Portland is Cleaning Up the Watershed with Green Infrastructure
Portland’s 32 rain gardens at Sagamore Village are a game-changer for Capisic Brook and Casco Bay! These vibrant, plant-filled cells filter stormwater runoff, removing pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus before they reach nearby waters. This $2 million project improves water quality, beautifies the neighborhood, and showcases the power of green infrastructure to make communities cleaner and healthier.
5. Meghan’s Notebook: A Day on the Bay
As a newcomer to the organization, Communications Coordinator Meghan Vigeant joined our scientists for a day of water quality monitoring for the first time in May. This eye-opening experience introduced her to the stunning beauty, unique challenges, and stories of the Bay. From wildlife to scientific insights, Meghan’s reflections celebrate the beauty and resilience of this special place we all work to protect.
Read more: Meghan’s Notebook: A Day on the Bay
6. Tracking Eelgrass: The Seagrass Snapshot
Explore photos and data gathered during the Seagrass Snapshot with our interactive map.
This summer, 39 Water Reporters fanned out across Casco Bay during extreme low tides, to document eelgrass beds at various locations over several days. Their observations are helping us to track the health and extent of this vital habitat, which is essential for marine life and water quality. By contributing their photos and observations, these community scientists are shedding light on eelgrass decline and how we can protect it.
Read more: Tracking Eelgrass: The Seagrass Snapshot
7. Exploring Casco Bay Through New Eyes: Meet Joyce Murty
Joyce Murty became a Water Reporter with Friends of Casco Bay after noticing changes along South Portland’s coastline. She tracks algal blooms at three sites, collecting data and photos to monitor the Bay’s health. Her observations raise awareness about pollution, including nitrogen and stormwater runoff. Joyce hopes her efforts inspire action to protect Casco Bay.
8. Making Waves for a Healthier Casco Bay: A Legislative Recap
This year, we made strides in the legislative arena to safeguard Casco Bay’s health. From advancing stormwater management to addressing PFAS pollution, our advocacy efforts saw meaningful progress. We worked alongside legislators and partners to push for policies that protect water quality, marine life, and the communities that rely on the Bay. Our recap highlights these victories and the ongoing work needed to ensure a cleaner, more resilient Casco Bay for generations to come.
9. After 30 Years, We Moved Our Office
After three decades on the Southern Maine Community College campus, we’ve moved to a new office on West Commercial Street in Portland. Our South Portland location was where Friends of Casco Bay “grew up.” As Staff Scientist Mike Doan put it: “It’s like we’re leaving our parent’s house.” While we will miss the memories of our longtime home, our new space offers a more robust lab, a better layout for collaboration, and an easier (and more walkable and bike-friendly!) commute for many of our staff. This move marks an exciting new chapter, helping us to meet the challenges of the future.
Read more: After 30 Years, We’re Moving Our Office
10. Frame the Bay 2024 Winners
Four winners from our 2024 Frame the Bay Photo Contest: (top left) “Spring Point Ledge” by Petar Strbac, winner of Best in Show; (top right) “A Willard Sunday” by Ted Anderson, second place in Scenic category; (bottom left) “Netting Pogies” by Dan Hinckley, second place winner in Diversity of the Bay category; (bottom right) “Look into my Eyes” by Virginia Sambuco, first place winner in Wildlife & Animals category.
Our Frame the Bay photography contest celebrated the beauty of Casco Bay with stunning images that showcase the region’s unique landscapes and vibrant marine life. This year’s winners captured the essence of our work and the incredible biodiversity of the Bay. Check out the winning twelve photographs and be inspired by the talented photographers who help share the story of Casco Bay.
Read more: Frame the Bay 2024 Winners
As 2024 comes to a close, we are thankful for everyone who supports our work to protect and improve Casco Bay. Your generosity fuels our efforts and inspires us to keep making a difference. Together, we can ensure a resilient future for the Bay we all cherish.
Thank you for being a Friend!
