It’s muddy on the ground, but the air is sunny and warm for the annual autumn clam census at Hadley Point. Dr. Chris Petersen has been taking students to collect data at the site for over 10 years, and this experiential coursework is also of great value to the town. Petersen is on the Bar Harbor marine resource committee, and the data he presents about the Hadley Point clam flats each year helps officials determine when to open and close the area to both commercial and recreational clamming.

COA’s oceanfront campus provides an excellent gateway for students and faculty pursuing Marine Science. Every summer, teams of students and faculty conduct research on seabirds, whales, seals, and island ecology on our off-shore research stations. 

Students measure out their spots to create a grid over the area, one way of gaining a complete picture of clam life in the area. Students measure out their spots to create a grid over the area, one way of gaining a complete picture of clam life in the area.

Natural history lecturer Scott Swann lends a hand to the clam survey. Natural history lecturer Scott Swann lends a hand to the clam survey.

 Students also work with Allied Whale, COA’s marine mammal research group, and have access to boat and waterfront resources. Many students go on to do internships and conduct research from the Arctic to the Antarctic, on every continent, and in the oceans and seas around the globe.

Data on the amount of juvenile clams at Hadley Point is used by town and state officials to determine best practices for clam harvesting. Data on the amount of juvenile clams at Hadley Point is used by town and state officials to determine best practices for clam harvesting.

Students interested in Marine Science gain a strong foundation through introductory courses such as Marine Biology, an introductory biology sequence, andIntroduction to Oceanography. Intermediate and advanced classes include Marine Mammals, Invertebrate Zoology, Environmental Chemistry, and Ornithology. 

Hadley Point is an excellent spot for both commercial and recreational clamming. The annual census by the marine biology class helps officials determine the best management strategy for the area. Hadley Point is an excellent spot for both commercial and recreational clamming. The annual census by the marine biology class helps officials determine the best management strategy for the area.

All of these courses emphasize field work and natural history. Faculty who teach Marine Science and related classes interact to help students carry lessons from one course to another, challenging and focusing scientific tastes and passions.

The marine biology class is feeling good about their day's work at Hadley Point. The marine biology class is feeling good about their day's work at Hadley Point. Credit: Chris Peterson 

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