This project restored approximately 2,000 square feet of subtidal eelgrass habitat and enhance additional surrounding eelgrass habitat through the replacement of traditional block-and-chain moorings with conservation moorings. The project area includes 10 moorings that are permitted annually and consist of conservation moorings first obtained by the Town of Harpswell and then transferred to individual mooring holders. The existing moorings are located within eelgrass beds mapped by the Department of Environmental Protection and located adjacent to the Maquoit and Middle Bay Beginning with Habitat Focus Area of Statewide Significance. The Town will monitor the success of the project and develop Best Management Practices for maintenance of conservation moorings and for the future conversion of additional moorings in eelgrass beds. The restoration sites are protected by an agreement between the Town and the mooring owners stating that if the moorings are ever replaced, they must be replaced with conservation moorings.
