University of New England Secures Nearly $400,000 for Coastal Resilience and Fisheries Research

Funding Overview and Impact

The University of New England (UNE) has received a combined grant of $398,914 from the Maine Coastal and Marine Climate Fund. This investment supports two interdisciplinary projects that address the shifting environmental conditions affecting Maine’s coastlines, marine ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them. The funding underscores UNE’s role as a regional leader in coastal resilience and fisheries research, and it provides a platform for students, faculty, and local stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that protect both natural resources and human livelihoods.

Sand Dune Monitoring Project

Project Lead: Dr. Will Kochtitzky, Ph.D.

Dr. Kochtitzky’s project, titled “Monitoring Maine’s Coastal Sand Dunes from Past Storms to Nature‑Based Solutions,” focuses on the dynamic relationship between storm events and shoreline stability. Using drone‑mounted LiDAR technology, the team will capture high‑resolution topographic data across southern and mid‑coast Maine. By comparing current dune conditions to pre‑storm baselines, researchers can quantify erosion rates and identify areas most vulnerable to future storms.

The project also includes laboratory‑scale experiments that test the effectiveness of various nature‑based shoreline protection techniques—such as living shorelines, dune restoration, and native vegetation planting. A demonstration site in Biddeford Pool will showcase these strategies, providing a tangible resource for local planners and residents.

Students play a pivotal role: graduate and undergraduate participants will conduct field surveys, process LiDAR data, and engage with community groups to share findings. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) supports these efforts by offering research fellowships and facilitating public outreach.

Sea Vegetable Ecosystem Initiative

Project Lead: Dr. Sarah Ebel, Ph.D.

Dr. Ebel’s research, “Collaboratively Producing New Knowledge for Climate‑Resilient Fisheries Management of Sea Vegetable Ecosystems in Eastern Maine,” targets the economic and ecological importance of kelp and other sea vegetables. The initiative partners with Indigenous communities, local harvesters, aquaculture operators, and fisheries managers to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with scientific monitoring.

Key objectives include:

• Mapping current distribution and health of sea vegetable beds.
• Identifying climate‑driven changes in growth patterns.
• Developing monitoring protocols that can be adopted by stakeholders.
• Establishing the Eastern Maine Seaweed Collaborative—a network that supports sustainable, climate‑resilient fisheries and community stewardship.

Through workshops, surveys, and knowledge‑sharing sessions, the project will create actionable data that informs policy and management decisions. Students will assist in field sampling, data analysis, and community engagement, gaining hands‑on experience in applied marine science.

Student Engagement and Career Pathways

Both projects exemplify UNE’s commitment to experiential learning. By embedding students in externally funded research, faculty provide real‑world contexts that enhance classroom instruction. Participants develop skills in GIS mapping, remote sensing, ecological monitoring, stakeholder communication, and project management—competencies highly valued in environmental science, marine policy, and conservation careers.

Graduate students may pursue fellowships that cover tuition and stipends, while undergraduates can earn research credits and build professional networks. The projects also open doors to internships with state agencies, non‑profits, and industry partners involved in coastal management and fisheries.

Community Partnerships and Policy Implications

UNE’s research directly informs local decision‑makers. The sand dune monitoring data will feed into coastal zone management plans, helping municipalities prioritize shoreline protection investments. The sea vegetable initiative will supply evidence for fisheries regulations, aquaculture best practices, and climate adaptation strategies.

By collaborating with Indigenous groups and local harvesters, the research respects cultural values and ensures that solutions are socially equitable. The resulting policy briefs and public workshops aim to translate scientific findings into actionable guidance for Maine’s coastal communities.

How to Get Involved

Students interested in environmental science, GIS, or marine biology can explore UNE’s School of Marine and Environmental Programs for relevant majors and minors. Faculty members welcome research assistants and interns who are eager to contribute to cutting‑edge projects.

Community members and local businesses can participate in workshops, share traditional knowledge, or support the projects through volunteer efforts. State agencies and non‑profits are encouraged to collaborate on data sharing and implementation of recommended practices.

For more information on how to apply for research positions or to learn about upcoming workshops, visit the UNE research portal or contact the Office of Research and Innovation.

Take Action Today

Submit your application to UNE’s School of Marine and Environmental Programs and join a team that is shaping the future of Maine’s coast.

Schedule a free consultation with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to discuss how your skills can contribute to coastal resilience projects.

Explore related research on UNE’s website to see how interdisciplinary science is driving policy change.

Share your experiences in the comments below or connect with us on LinkedIn to stay updated on project milestones.