The Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department  

“During the summer, that's when the most nutrient concentrations are evident in the water,” says Riley. “It's a direct result of more people occupying their homes, especially those on septic systems." 

Shellfish research is critical to a comprehensive understanding of our local aquatic ecosystem.

Tara Riley and Leah Cabral are two scientists on the dedicated team at the Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department. Their work as shellfish biologists is critical to a comprehensive understanding of our local aquatic ecosystem. In addition to her extensive research with our local scallop population, Riley owns and operates Grey Lady Oysters with her husband, Matt Heir, making their family intimately tied to the aquatic ecosystem. Cabral joined the NRD team just a few years ago, but she quickly spearheaded planning for a large-scale wild oyster reef restoration project up harbor. Over the past couple of years, Riley and Cabral have been collecting shellfish byproducts from Nantucket’s restaurants as part of the Shell Recycling Program. The reclaimed shells are now used as a nursery for the new generation of oysters, which will soon be released into the wild. A single oyster can filter nearly thirty gallons of water a day! The hope is that the established oyster reef will help filter many of the excess nutrients up harbor.

for more information visit ...

http://www.nantucket-ma.gov/130/Natural-Resources