Come learn about Maine’s rocky intertidal zone and participate in collecting data on rockweed, a foundational seaweed along the Maine coast! The research team at Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park has an ongoing citizen science initiative, Project ASCO, designed to get interested participants into the intertidal along the entire Maine Coast to gather important data on rockweed, or Ascophyllum nodosum (“Asco”).

Asco is the dominant species of seaweed in most of the rocky intertidal zone of Maine and provides habitat for other species living in and visiting the intertidal zone. Rockweed is currently harvested in Maine and sustainable management requires knowledge of the total amount of rockweed throughout the state. Participants in Project ASCO can help answer the question, “How much rockweed is there?” The data collected by Project ASCO participants will be analyzed and shared by scientists at Schoodic Institute to inform resource management. Along with rockweed, this project allows for learning more about other seaweeds, periwinkles, mussels, crabs, birds, and the occasional seal or whale.

To be a part of this initiative, you do NOT need prior experience in gathering scientific data—the only thing you need is curiosity and an enthusiasm to learn in the field! During this event the Project ASCO team will train you to gather your own data and provide you with your own equipment so you can contribute to their online data hub, Anecdata.org.