The main focus of my research is to develop a model using population dynamics to evaluate the use of marine protected areas as an effective management tool. This will include modeling trophic interactions and the movement of species in and out of a marine protected area (this may include using a model similar to Ecopath/Ecospace). The model will reflect real data from and near Jeffrey's Ledge, a 33-mile glacial deposit, which extends from off the coast of Rockport, Massachusetts to just southeast of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The Ledge is characterized as being highly productive for marine life because of its shallowness and being surrounded by deep ocean waters that create an upwelling zone. In 1992, the southeastern third of Jeffrey's Ledge was designated a marine sanctuary within the Stellwagen Bank enclosure. It is essential habitat for many cetaceans such as humpback whales, fin whales, right whales, minke whale, along with the white-side dolphin and the harbor porpoise. Among the fish species the Ledge is home to herring, cod, flounder, haddock, monkfish, bluefin tuna, bluefish, and sharks such as the basking and mako. The area is subject to fisheries closures for several different economical significant species (i.e. cod and herring).
