What is the project all about?

The goal of Project ASCO (Assessing Seaweed via Community Observations) is to get interested participants out into the intertidal zone to collect data about rockweed while exploring the beauty of the rocky coast between the tides. Rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum, or “Asco”) is the dominant species 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 learn more, check out the video below: What is Project ASCO?, an interview with Maya Pelletier produced by ‘Somewhere in Waldo County’ and Belfast Community Media.
How do I get involved?
You can reference this 2021 project launch webinar to learn more about the project, or attend in-person training in Maine this year.
2023 Trainings
May 17 | Plummer Point, South Bristol |
June 9 | Ferry Landing, Brooksville |
June 23 | Mahar Point, Pembroke |
June 26 | Carter’s Beach, Hancock |
July 7 | Frazer Point, Winter Harbor |
July 8 | Wolfe’s Neck, Freeport |
July 23 | Drift Inn Beach, St. George |
July 24 | Mitchell Field, Harpswell |
The in-person training sessions will be spent outdoors and in the field, collecting data. No prior knowledge is required; participants will be given the supplies and training needed to safely enter the intertidal zone and collect data about the “Asco.” Precautions will be taken to ensure a safe environment. In the meantime, below are a few resources available to read up on rockweed and the rocky intertidal zone.
Project Resources
Check out the data from Project ASCO on Anecdata
An introductory webinar was held on August 19, 2021:
For more information, contact Hannah Webber at hwebber@schoodicinstitute.org or Maya Pelletier at mpelletier@schoodicinstitute.
Header photo by Julia McLeod
Project ASCO Volunteer Training at Ferry Landing
Ferry Landing Brooksville, MEJoin Schoodic Institute’s Project ASCO research team in collaboration with Blue Hill Heritage Trust on June 9, 2023 from 8:00am […]
Project ASCO Volunteer Training at Mahar Point
Mahar Point Pembroke, MEJoin Schoodic Institute’s Project ASCO research team in collaboration with Downeast Coastal Conservancy on June 23, 2023 from 8:00am to […]
Project ASCO Volunteer Training at Carter’s Beach
Carter's Beach Hancock, MEJoin Schoodic Institute’s Project ASCO research team in collaboration with Frenchman Bay Conservancy and Crabtree Neck Land Trust on June […]
Project ASCO Volunteer Training at Frazer Point
Frazer Point Winter Harbor, MEJoin Schoodic Institute’s Project ASCO research team on July 7, 2023 from 7:00am to 10:30am at Frazer Point (Winter Harbor, […]
Project ASCO Volunteer Training at Wolfe’s Neck
Wolfe's Neck Freeport, MaineJoin Schoodic Institute’s Project ASCO research team on July 8, 2023 from 8:00am to 11:30am at Wolfe's Neck (Freeport, Maine) […]
Project ASCO Volunteer Training at Drift Inn Beach
Drift Inn Beach St. George, MEJoin Schoodic Institute’s Project ASCO research team on July 23, 2023 from 7:45am to 11:15am at Drift Inn Beach (St. George, […]
Project ASCO Volunteer Training at Mitchell Field
Mitchell Field Harpswell, MEJoin Schoodic Institute’s Project ASCO research team on July 24, 2023 from 8:15am to 11:45am at Mitchell Field (Harpswell, Maine) to […]