Portland Press Herald story features UNE's Saco River Estuary Project

The project is part of the Maine Sustainabilty Solutions Initiative and is being conducted by an interdisciplinary team of students and faculty from UNE, which includes the departments of Environmental Studies, Biology, Marine Sciences and Business Administration and Communications, along with representatives of the Wells National Esturine Research Reserve. The team is studying the ecology of the estuary as well as the policies, regulations and economics that influence this portion of the river.

The Press Herald story interviewed UNE alumnus Will Almeida '11 and Cory French '12, who are studying the ecological health of the esturary; Mike D'Apice '12 who is conducting research on the economics of the estuary; Associate Professor Pam Morgan, Department of Environmental Studies; and Associate Professor of Economics Michael Daley, as well as local officials and business owners.

UNE senior D'Apice explained that the purpose of his economics study is "to gain more knowledge about mutual benefits for these stakeholders, because if you have an unhealthy river, your business is going to suffer.”

Morgan said the research team is seeking another $100,000 grant for a third year and hopes to fund the project for five years.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.