Location Attributes

The Spicer Site on Thomas Road in Groton will allow for significant enhancements to the aquaculture, marine sciences and on-water components of the Marine Science High School of Southeastern Connecticut.

School-owned shellfish beds at Pine Island Bay and other sites will enhance the aquaculture curriculum and marine management curriculum, and provide a source of revenue for the school from leased commercial use.

• Potential partnership projects with Groton Shellfish Commission, Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Project, UCONN Marine Science research, Noank Aquaculture Cooperative, National Marine Fisheries Lab, etc.
• Actual business management of oyster and clam bed leases
• Complete life cycle culture of shellfish
• Clam restoration project with Groton Shellfish Commission
• Opportunity for culturing New England red shrimp Opportunity for culturing New England red shrimp
• Closed cycle scallop/eel grass restoration; also biodegradable artificial eel grass
• Oceanography study of silted estuaries

Inclusion of the 4-acre, spring-fed freshwater pond in the curriculum:

• Provides an additional aquaculture component: Freshwater hydroponics and freshwater fin-fish production
• Compare and contrast system characteristics and aquatic life of fresh, salt, and brackish water eco-systems
• Provides safer, self-contained, on-water location for novice sail-training, swimming, life-saving, scuba training, and rowing program
• Provides a manageable closed underwater environment for ROV (Remote Operative Vehicle) project for national ROV
• Environmental stewardship/community service projects will include freshwater eco-system maintenance and restoration
• Freshwater aspect to Connecticut Envirothon program
• Freshwater aspect to Project SEARCH water quality/aquatic studies program

Ready access to the blue water curriculum and facilities available at nearby Project Oceanology