of the Flotilla might augment efforts at protecting the marine environment of Long Island Sound. Ralph followed the EPA meeting by contacting DEP, Office of Coastal Zone Management. DEP suggested that HarborWatch, a local, community-based environmental organization in Westport, Connecticut, would probably welcome the Flotilla’s assistance in expanding its water quality monitoring
program for the Norwalk River. While HarborWatch was monitoring water quality in the river it lacked the resources to conduct deep-water monitoring operations in the outer estuary.
HarborWatch had a state and federal mandate and the available resources to monitor water quality in the lower reaches of the Norwalk and Saugatuck rivers. Flotilla 72 had the personnel and vessel resources for monitoring offshore water quality in the larger estuary, and in areas of important shellfish beds. By combining riverine and offshore data, a comprehensive overview of water quality in the estuaries of the Norwalk, Saugatuck, and Five Mile Rivers could be established. The data could then be compiled and analyzed by HarborWatch and
made available to CT DEEP,
federal EPA, municipal
government agencies, and the local shellfish industry.
An operational plan was devised whereby HarborWatch would work with the Flotilla in setting up a pattern of monitoring stations and provide training to Flotilla members in the use of its equipment. HarborWatch would also provide the Flotilla with digitized monitoring equipment that would be kept aboard the Flotilla’s patrol vessel. Multiple training sessions, both dockside and on-water, took place on an individual and group basis, during the summers of 2006-07.
Monitoring Protocols
During scheduled patrols, measurements of dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, wave and wind conditions, and water and ambient air temperature were recorded at four stations. Data were submitted electronically to HarborWatch, which entered it into a regional database. It was understood that, during a mission, if dissolved oxygen fell below 5mg/l HarborWatch would be immediately notified.
For several years monitoring activities were conducted during routine patrols. Obtaining data for the various parameters requires anchoring in order to remain on station while measurements at depths from surface to five meters are recorded. This proved challenging for the helm, particularly during periods of heavy boat traffic. Accordingly, it was proposed and agreed that monitoring patrols would be conducted mid-week after work, with each of the patrols devoted exclusively to the monitoring operation. This procedure is now in effect and for the past three years patrols have been going out weekly, under orders, throughout the boating season.
18 OVER THE BOW - Spring 2016
Continued on P 20
Carol Saar and Philip Hoffman check an oxygen sensor prior to getting under way for an evening patrol