Photo: Rachel Lewis

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Happy Earth Day to the Shoals Community:

 

For me, Earth Day has always evoked images of Appledore and the Isles of Shoals. Any visitor to the island feels connected to the earth – the granite boulders, the power of the ocean, the flora and fauna of the intertidal zone, the muskrats, the wheeling gulls, and the flowers and berries we enjoy through the season. For those of us who spend the summer on the island, connections to the earth also include the bioluminescence created when something sweeps through the water with calm seas; the vastness of the universe as seen on a clear, moonless night; the power of the sea crashing in Broad Cove during a storm; and the beauty of the lightning that moves up the coast, rivaling the fireworks we see on holidays.  The earth is magnificent, and the Shoals Marine Lab is a place to learn that and to revel in it.

 

I will always be grateful to JB Heiser, who first introduced me to Shoals and Appledore in 1990. Over the years, I learned so much from him about how to teach, how to learn, and the joy of sharing the experience of the natural environment with others. His passion for both marine vertebrates (his specialty) and their environment was palpable and contagious. While there is sadness because today marks the third anniversary of his death, I can now focus on his ability to see and appreciate the beauty of the sea and the islands within it, his welcoming people to Appledore, his enjoyment of the end of course banquets, fond memories of the whale watches and midnight shark fishing trip we shared, and the way he could turn any opportunity into a teaching moment. So, today, I celebrate his legacy - the many lives he impacted in many ways, the scholarships we now get to provide in his name, all that he taught me and so many Shoalers, and his spirit, which I felt all summer on Appledore. And I smile at the impact he had on people who carry on his mission and the love of this Earth.

 

Today also marks the beginning of the Shoals Marine Lab’s 60th season of continuous marine education. This morning our open-up team left the dock bright and early to be able to use the high tide pier—high tide was at 6:55. Life on Appledore connects us to the Earth in tangible ways – the tide cycles affect many of our teaching and operational activities. Zach and Tanner will be on the island with several longtime volunteers to get our water and electrical systems ready for the summer. They will also assess any work that will need to be done during volunteer weekend.

 

This month, UNH held our annual (603) Challenge, and the generosity of our community was on display again. We met all our internal challenges, raising over $186,000 and more than 150 contributors, including 5 students from last summer! Thank you to all who contributed so generously. So, on this Earth Day, I also celebrate the amazing community that is created on Appledore and the generosity of the Shoals community.

 

I hope that in reading this message, Earth Day is a celebration of Shoals and Shoalers for you as it is for me!

Tanner grew up in rural southeastern PA, where he gained mechanical and construction skills working on various projects with his father. After high school he had an opportunity to live and work in Costa Rica. While living abroad, he developed a deeper appreciation for sustainability, conserving wild places and the marine environment. He returned to PA and worked as a contractor for several years before returning to school to pursue his passion in conservation and biology. He graduated with a BS in Marine Biology and Ecology and Conservation from West Chester University in May, 2024. Promptly after graduating, he started working as a seasonal island engineer for Shoals Marine Lab. Tanner felt early on this role was a great fit with his past experience and his passion for marine science and sustainable engineering solutions. As Lead Engineer, Tanner is looking forward to gaining more experience with sustainable infrastructure and building renovations. When he’s not at work he enjoys rock climbing, surfing, photography, and spending time with friends and family. Welcome, Tanner!

Kate Lochridge is our Lab Coordinator.  She grew up in Ohio, where she earned a double major in Aquatic Biology and Studio Art at Bowling Green State University. Most recently Kate lived and worked on Andros Island in the Bahamas, professionally serviced aquariums, and earned an occupational endorsement in cold water scientific diving from the University of Alaska Southeast in Sitka. Her interests include working with nature-based solutions and coastal resilience through applied research and scientific communication. She looks forward to meeting the students, faculty, researchers, and visitors, and sharing the magic of New England marine ecosystems. (below left top)

 

Carrie Jackson is the Island Coordinator. Carrie is from Annapolis, Maryland and grew up outdoors and on the water around the Chesapeake Bay. Her background is in environmental education, specifically leading overnight trips. Carrie says she couldn’t be more excited to be spending the season out on Shoals! When not at Shoals, she can be found coaching high school rowing, exploring around New England, and in the kitchen cooking or baking. (below right top)

 

Veronica Ciambra, our Assistant Chef, comes to us from Vermont and has worked in an assortment of jobs, including lawyer, researcher, and, most recently, as founding director of a nonprofit that supports migrant workers. Most important, she raised three sons and has five grandchildren. Veronica has been a volunteer in kitchens in a variety of nonprofit settings.

Her interest in Shoals stems from her love of food and cooking and the amazing times she has had accompanying her youngest son, a conservation biologist, on some of his research projects. She has sailed the coast of New Hampshire and Maine and is looking forward to spending time on Appledore Island. (below bottom left)

 

Kait Kennedy is our Assistant Island Coordinator this summer. Kait graduated last May from Eckerd College, where she studied Environmental Studies, Biology, and Spanish. Since then she took a cross country road trip and spent the winter as a dog musher in northern New Hampshire. When not studying or working, she loves to swim, garden, read, and sail. Kait is very excited to be part of the Isle of Shoals community this summer! (below bottom right)

We look forward to introducing more seasonal staff in next month's newsletter.

Spend a day enjoying the unique beauty of Celia Thaxter's Appledore Island! Feel the serenity of Celia Thaxter’s garden by the sea. Visit the Laighton family cemetery and learn their history with the Isles of Shoals. Hike the paths Celia wandered and explore the cultural history of the Appledore Hotel. Lunch and transportation from New Castle, NH are included.

 

When I hopped off the R/V Kingsbury on a warm day in early June 2018, I had no clue the significant impact the following 8 weeks would have on my future career. As a semester student, I took courses in Sustainable Fisheries, Evolution & Marine Diversity, Shark Biology & Conservation, and Underwater Research. It is incredibly surreal to me to look back on my time at SML now that I have forged a career in commercial fisheries research; Appledore was my first ever exposure to the complexities and nuances surrounding fisheries management in New England.

 

Immediately upon my graduation in 2020, I took a job with the State of Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) as a Biotoxin Monitor for the state’s shellfish safety and water quality programs, and later as the sole technician on Maine’s largest offshore larval lobster survey. I then got to expand my research diving skills while working as a staff member at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography where I served as lead diver and technician for a deep sea ecology lab. I had been lucky to earn my American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Scientific Diver certification at SML, just as my father (Adam Dener, Cornell ‘84) had done 36 years before. In fact, he was in one of the very first dive classes instructed by longtime island legend Dr. Jim Coyer, and I was fortunate to be in Dr. Coyer’s very last. While I loved getting to dive year-round in New England, I missed fisheries focused work. So I joined NOAA’s Northeast Fishery Science Center as an Assistant Area Lead for Industry Funded Scallop and the Maximized Retention Electronic Monitoring (MREM) program. My current work as a fisheries research biologist at The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) utilizes commercial fishermen to perform a variety of fisheries and marine research activities. I am the lead scientist on two trawl based surveys that are monitoring fisheries impacts of wind farm development. Whenever I have downtime while offshore I am always trying to spot a Shoals banded gull. No luck yet!
 

My patchwork of fisheries and marine science experiences were all built upon the basis of my time at Shoals. I am reminded of the extraordinary place that is SML every time I tie a bowline, smell a decaying animal, get pooped on by a gull, or gut a fish. I move through life telling anyone who will listen about the rocky island lab where class was held underwater, gull chicks were always underfoot, and fresh seafood was served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have been so fortunate to share this special place with many like-minded individuals who will happily forfeit a shower for a chance to learn and grow in such a unique community. I am honored to have the ocean as my office.

Below photos: Ruby- bottom left, Ruby in 2018 Underwater Research course (Jim Coyer)-center, and Ruby's father, Adam in 1982 Underwater Research course (Jim Coyer)- right

Our annual wish list is inspired by the many community members who ask what we need to have a successful season. Our team met during the off season and came up with a list that serves the various departments on our staff, each equally important in keeping Appledore running smoothly and safely. Here are a few items from this year's list: 

 

If you are interested in making a donation designated to one of these, please reach out to Amy Fish, Dir of Community Relations, amy.fish@unh.edu.

 

Dear Friends of the Shoals,

 

I have always believed that some places have the power to shape lives, and for me, the Isles of Shoals is one of those rare and special places. It is more than just an island—it is a sanctuary of learning, discovery, and inspiration. For 50 years, it has provided students with an unparalleled educational experience, immersing them in an environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep connection to the natural world.

 

However, time leaves its mark, and the structures that support this incredible experience are showing signs of wear. That is why I have chosen to donate—not just for today, but for the future. When I give for capital improvements, I know that I am investing in something lasting. A repaired dorm means students will have a safe and comfortable place to rest after long days of study. New equipment for the labs ensures that learning continues at the highest level. These are not just repairs or purchases; they are investments in the minds and futures of every student who steps foot on the island.

             

The Isles of Shoals is a peaceful place, but its impact is profound. I give because I believe in that impact, and I hope others will join me in ensuring that this place continues to inspire, educate and endure for generations to come.

 

Sincerely,

Tom Greene

Marine Docent

SML Alumni and Donor 

Enjoy three nights on a rocky island six-miles off the coast of Maine during this slower paced residential Wilderness First Aid Course at Shoals Marine Laboratory. Departing from downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, travel via SML vessel on Sunday afternoon, arriving in time for dinner and some down time to settle into your island accommodations. Class will take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, wrapping up Wednesday afternoon before departure for arrival back to Portsmouth.

Migration and the Isles of Shoals will provide participants the opportunity to explore Appledore and the Isles of Shoals with experienced trip leaders helping to see the migrant birds moving through the area and to see species breeding on the island, including gulls, eider, egrets, ibis, and guillemots.  Participants will have the opportunity to visit the Appledore Island Migration Station that operates from sunrise to sunset daily, weather permitting, to study bird migration.  More than 120 species of birds have been captured at the station in the spring. Additionally, evening programs will focus on different aspects of bird migration, one of the most fascinating spectacles in the natural world.

Be sure to register for this amazing new program!

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