The Lagoon Pond Association collaborates with all to protect, preserve and enhance the character of this beautiful estuary. We believe that by ourselves and our community, we can make evidence-based decisions to advocate on actions that will affect the Lagoon to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy it responsibly.
As we reflect on the past year, the Lagoon Pond Association (LPA) remains deeply committed to protecting and restoring the health of Lagoon Pond through science-based solutions, collaboration, and public engagement. In 2025, our work advanced across several interconnected priorities: innovative nitrogen reduction strategies, long-term water quality monitoring, biodiversity research, public awareness, and community celebration.
In 2025, the Lagoon Pond Association (LPA) played a leading educational role in advancing urine diversion as a promising strategy to reduce nitrogen loading to Lagoon Pond and support achievement of Massachusetts Estuary Project Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) of nitrogen. In close collaboration with the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC), the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC), and regional experts, LPA focused on education, outreach, and technical evaluation—building watershed-specific understanding of the technology, its regulatory pathway, and its potential application on the Vineyard. To anchor these discussions in practical experience, LPA purchased a urine-diverting toilet as a hands-on educational tool, helping move the concept from abstract to tangible. This sustained educational effort and partnership-building in 2025 set the stage for a significant milestone in 2026: the opportunity to implement a carefully designed urine diversion demonstration pilot program in the Lagoon Pond watershed—positioning Lagoon Pond as one of only two estuaries in Massachusetts exploring this innovative approach.
Long-term water quality monitoring remains central to everything we do. Throughout the year, LPA continued systematic sampling of Lagoon Pond to track key indicators such as nutrients, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and water clarity. The sampling is done using a SONDE device that is an underwater, battery operated, multiparameter instrument that we were able to purchase from money donated to the LPA from the West Chop Community Fund. These data provide essential insight into trends over time, support evaluation of management strategies, and inform decision-making by regulators and community partners. Our monitoring program ensures that restoration efforts are guided by real, local evidence. In 2026 we hope to expand this program by moving our existing water quality device to other locations in the Lagoon and by conducting additional testing using handheld devices.
During the summer, the Lagoon Pond Association conducted three biodiversity studies that documented a surprising diversity of marine life in Lagoon Pond. Using a 20 foot seine and lots of “muscle” we collected and observed cunner fish, striped bass, fluke, winter flounder, pipefish, and other fishes and invertebrates. These fish were released back in the pond after a quick count and measure. Notably, this marine life was observed despite the near absence of eelgrass in the pond, with only a small patch remaining near the Head of the Pond. These findings underscore both the ecological value of Lagoon Pond and the urgency of improving water quality to support habitat recovery and long-term ecosystem health. We plan more seining events/studies in June, July and August 2026, so please consider volunteering for this fun kid friendly event!
Renew your membership and pay your 2026 dues / make donations online
or mail your check to
PO Box 1978
Vineyard Haven MA 02568
One of the year’s most joyful highlights was Light Up the Lagoon! The 3rd annual LPA’s festive boat parade celebrates Lagoon Pond and the community that surrounds it. Decorated boats illuminated the water, drawing enthusiastic participation from boaters and spectators and creating a memorable evening on the Pond. We even had a 42 ft sailboat join in for the fun! Events like Light Up the Lagoon raise visibility for Lagoon Pond, strengthen community connections, and remind us that protecting this special place is both a scientific mission and a shared community responsibility.
Wondering what we do with your dues and donations? In 2025, the LPA donated $5,000 to the town of Tisbury to help with the purchase of a much-needed pump out boat. The Harbormaster tells us the boat will also help with patrolling the town’s waterways. Tisbury Waterways Inc. (TWI) was also a contributor to the purchase.
In 2025, LPA made a meaningful investment in public education and engagement. Two informational signs featuring QR codes were installed in Lagoon Pond, linking users directly to an interactive online map highlighting key features and areas of interest. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people scanning the codes, exploring the map, and sharing how helpful and engaging the information was. These simple, place-based tools make Lagoon Pond more accessible and help foster a stronger sense of stewardship among residents and visitors alike.
As referenced earlier, the LPA is moving forward with implementation of the Urine Diversion pilot program in the Lagoon Pond watershed. We will be working with the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on this project. Once underway, Lagoon Pond will be one of only two locations in Massachusetts—alongside Falmouth—testing urine diversion at this scale. This groundbreaking demonstration program is designed to reduce nitrogen at the source and to evaluate urine diversion as a practical, lower-impact alternative for some properties compared to innovative/alternative (I/A) septic systems, which can be expensive and cumbersome to install and maintain. Just as importantly, the data generated through this pilot will help inform future permitting pathways and nutrient management strategies for Lagoon Pond and other coastal waters across the Commonwealth.
Participation from watershed property owners will be essential to the success of this urine diversion effort. LPA will be seeking a limited number of volunteer participants interested in helping pioneer this innovative approach, and some funding assistance may be available. If you live within the Lagoon Pond watershed and would like to learn more or express interest, we encourage you to reach out to the Lagoon Pond Association. Your participation can help shape the future of water quality management on Martha’s Vineyard.
Summer Intern: Once again, we will sponsor 2 summer Interns to work “on the water” with the town’s Shellfish constables and the LPA. This is a 30 hour/week paid position. High School and College students interested in marine biological and ecological science…please apply to dreecemvisland@gmail.com
Continuing in 2026 is the implementation of a designated “long-term” anchorage areas, one on the Tisbury side and one in Oak Bluffs. These areas help the harbormaster oversee compliance with state shellfish sanitation regulations and to help protect the remaining eelgrass beds. The “long-term” areas are located about midway through the pond. In Tisbury there is a 7-night maximum anchorage and then the boat must be moved out of Tisbury for at least one day. In Oak Bluffs, it is a 3-night maximum. Day use anchoring is not restricted to these areas.
And of course, none of this work would be possible without the continued support of our members, volunteers, scientific partners, and funders. Together, we are building a stronger understanding of Lagoon Pond and a clearer, more hopeful path forward for its protection.
Please consider volunteering on one of our many committees or maybe becoming a board member. And if you are so inclined, there are many open positions in Tisbury or Oak Bluffs. Some of the town’s positions available include the Board of Health, Finance Committee and the Planning Board.
With gratitude,
Sherry L. Countryman
Lagoon Pond Association
“Lagoon Pond belongs to all of us and we all bear responsibility for its health and well-being. Join us in our mission to preserve and protect this beautiful body of water for our children and our children's children to enjoy!” — Sherry Countryman, L.P.A. President Click here to hear Sherry's interview with MVY Radio regarding the Lagoon Pond Association.