Addressing Coastal Pond Challenges on Martha’s Vineyard

Javier Lloret, research scientist in the MBL Ecosystems Center, has received a grant to collaborate with the Great Pond Foundation (GPF) on an ambitious project to improve the health of coastal ponds on Martha’s Vineyard. This partnership aims to update and expand GPF's ecological monitoring program, which has been instrumental in guiding pond management practices on the island.

The project focuses on two key ponds—Edgartown Great Pond and Chilmark Pond—where the team will conduct advanced analyses to update nitrogen load estimates, trace sources of nitrogen pollution, and propose remediation strategies. By employing state-of-the-art modeling techniques and isotope analysis, Lloret will work closely with GPF to identify nutrient "hot-spots" within the ponds' watersheds, which are often linked to sources such as septic systems, agricultural runoff, and atmospheric deposition.

This collaboration is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of these vital ecosystems. With updated data and a deeper understanding of nutrient inputs, the project will provide actionable insights that support ongoing conservation efforts, helping to preserve the unique natural environment of Martha’s Vineyard for future generations.