Community biodiversity surveys at Doug’s Cove Preserve- Earth Day beach clean-up
- Estuaries project (water quality)
- OB-VH Wastewater management committee
- Sponsoring summer interns for the Oak Bluffs/Vineyard Haven Shellfish Constables
- Shellfish propagation, eelgrass propagation, and research
- Waterways monitoring, boating regulations and enforcement
Porta Potty at Lagoon Landing- Collaboration with other pond groups and MV Shellfish Group on best practices
- Collaboration with businesses to promote responsible usage of the Pond
- Review and recommendations on fertilizer regulations
- Urine-diversion study
Dog poop signs for Oak Bluffs & Vineyard Haven receptacles- Research, data collection and organization of water quality records in the Pond
- Family Shellfish Day
- Egg addling
- Algae Harvest
- Regional High School Science Fair: congratulations to 2025 LPA Award winner Gus Coogan for his project on Eco Plastic
The Lagoon Pond Association has held several biodiversity surveys at Doug's Cove beginning in August of 2023. Led by Maria Abate, PhD, marine biologist, samples were collected in the North Basin of Lagoon Pond from the shore between Doug’s Cove and Brush Pond, using a seine. The organisms were gathered, sorted, counted, measured, and promptly returned to the water.
Members of the Lagoon Pond Association board along with Tisbury Shellfish participated in the sampling. Several members of the community including children have also participated. The most abundant fish has been the Atlantic silverside, but juvenile winter flounder, pufferfish, pipefish, needlefish, fluke, cunner, tautog, striped bass and anchovy are among the fish that were included in the samplings over the past several seines. Crustaceans, molluscs, seaweed and algae were also collected and identified. Water samples for eDNA analysis have also been taken.
The biodiversity surveys are intended to provide an opportunity for people living by Lagoon Pond or visiting the island to have a hands-on experience of what lives in the Lagoon. This year, a smaller seine will also be utilized that will provide more fun and an easier way for children to participate.
The LPA will be conducting additional biodiversity surveys this summer (June, July and August). Come join in the fun!