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Major Victory in Oil Spill LitigationOn June 21, the United States First Circuit Court of Appeals found in
favor of the Coalition and the Commonwealth and struck down the U.S.
District Court's decision invalidating the 2004 Massachusetts Oil Spill
Prevention and Response Act and remanded it for additional review. "As
we explain, the district court did not adhere to the analytical
structure the Supreme Court has required to resolve federal-state
conflicts in this area," wrote Judge Lynch for the court. "The
district court acted prematurely..." Read more here
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 Legislation to Restore Oil Spill Prevention Measures Receives Hearing
On July 23, senate bill 517 and house bill 844, legislation drafted by the Coalition and filed in January 2007 by Senator Mark C.W. Montigny and Representative John F. Quinn, received a hearing before the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture in New Bedford. These bills call for the creation of a Rescue Tug and State Pilot Program whereby fully equipped tugboats with local pilots would shadow oil tankers as they navigate through Buzzards Bay... Read more herePhoto: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce
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Bay Most Successful Ever
 With a record-breaking 93 swimmers, the 14th Annual Swim Buzzards Bay was by far the
most successful Swim Buzzards Bay ever.
The Swim was held
on the beautiful, calm summer morning of July 14 and raised more than $35,000 (another
new record) to support the Coalition's programs.
Swimmers from ages 12 to 74 swam a 1.2-mile
course from Davy's Locker in New Bedford to Fort Phoenix State Beach
in Fairhaven. A full complement of kayak escorts, federal, state
and local authorities ensured a safe swim for all.
Joe Hebert of Amherst placed first
overall with a time of 24:40. Fifteen-year-old Kendra Medina of Marion
was the fastest female with a time of 26:22 (and fourth overall). The
fastest team of swimmers-Benjamin Nicholas, Brett Pacheco and Chad
Littlefield representing "Save the Lakers' Pool"-swam an average
time of 26:18.
Joining the Cuttyhunk Club with his 10th Swim Buzzards
Bay was Brett Silva of Fairhaven. Earning their Six-Mile Award for
swimming in five Swim Buzzards Bay swims were: David Constantino of Cumberland,
RI, Kathryn Duff of New Bedford and Dagne Evich of Fairhaven.
Visit our website for a complete list of swim times, and photo gallery.
Photo credit: John Powel |
UMASS Professor, Coalition Executive Director To Explore Lessons Learned from Nitrogen Management Efforts Around the World at August 13 Lecture
 The final presentation in the Coalition's Global Nitrogen Pollution Crisis lecture series will be held on August
13 at Falmouth Academy, 7 Highfield Drive, Falmouth.
Dr. Brian Howes,
Professor at the School for Marine Science and Technology, University
of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and Mr. Mark Rasmussen, Executive Director
of The Coalition for Buzzards Bay will share stories behind their work
managing nitrogen pollution from the Caribbean, to Eastern Europe, to
Antarctica in a lecture titled The Black Sea, Montego Bay, and Lake
Fryxell. The lecture will begin at 7:00 PM.
Nitrogen is a natural and essential
part of all marine ecosystems. But too much nitrogen can cause an overgrowth
of algae leading to low oxygen conditions and water quality decline
known as eutrophication. The nitrogen pollution currently degrading
local harbors and coves is not unique to Buzzards Bay. A recent survey
by the United Nations Environment Program found that the number of nitrogen-causing
"dead zones" in oceans and bays around the world has doubled since
1990 to 146. Dr. Howes and Mr. Rasmussen's lecture will explore
the histories, commonalities, and lessons-to-be-learned from other bays
they have studied around the world.
Admission for this lecture
is free to Coalition members. Charge for
non-members is $5. Senior or student non-member charge is $3.
For more information, contact
The Coalition for Buzzards Bay at 508-999-6363.
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Announcing The Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride - October 14, 2007
 The Coalition for Buzzards Bay announces
a new fundraising cycling event: The Watershed Ride - October 14,
2007. The Watershed Ride will take cyclists from Westport to Woods
Hole and will cover some of the most beautiful cycling routes in the
region.
Timed to take advantage of the great autumn foliage, the
cools days of early fall, and the quiet of off-season roads, the Ride
will be a great opportunity for cyclists of all levels. Cyclists
will enjoy a fully-supported ride, raise much needed funds for the work
of the Coalition and raise awareness of the rich variety of our watershed.
Each cyclist will need to register by October 9, and, in addition to a registration
fee, will be required to raise a minimum of $300 to support the programs of the
Coalition. Registration opens soon.
Mark your calendar and contact vasconcellos@savebuzzardsbay.org to request an information and registration
packet. Photo: Laurie Bullard
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A
Great Way to Start the Day and Help the Bay:
Volunteers Needed for Summer Sampling
Each summer, from May to September,
Coalition Baywatcher volunteers monitor the health of Buzzards Bay's
harbors and coves. With the help of our more than 130 dedicated volunteers,
we are providing the information needed to make informed, scientifically-based
decisions about the restoration and protection of Buzzards Bay.
We still have sites that are in need of water quality monitoring volunteers.
A strong science background is not necessary. A good Baywatcher is someone
who can consistently commit one hour between 6:00 - 9:00 AM each week
from May through September, follow instructions, and be agile enough
to work on docks and piers along the waters edge.
Contact Tony Williams, Director of Monitoring
Programs if you are interested in helping to collect this valuable water
quality data for the rest of the summer.
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CBB in the News
Much of the Coalition's work puts us at the
forefront of the region's top environmental issues.
Here are a few recent stories that mention our efforts.
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