Mussel Bed Mapping

Provided by: Gulf of Maine Research Institute |Published on: June 25, 2026

Activity - Outdoors

6-AP

Scientist Reviewed ↗

Synopsis

This community science project invites participants to help locate mussel beds along the coast and submit photos and observations.
Students learn how mussel beds have been shifting into deeper water, making them harder to find, and discover that their observations will help scientists know where to look for follow-up data collection.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Biology, Geography

Authors: Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Region: USA - Northeast, Maine, Maine - Coastal, Massachusetts, New Hampshire

Languages: English

View Resource

Teaching Materials

Preparation:

Participants must create a free account at home before contributing observations.
Data collection should be scheduled within one hour of a low or negative tide, so use local tide charts and the provided low tides guide to ensure optimal conditions for observation.
Ensure students are clear on key safety procedures and rules while on-site by the coast, and consider whether lifeguard presence is required.
Provide families with a dress code (e.g., water shoes, shorts) and list of what to bring (e.g., sunscreen, towel) for the excursion.

Classroom Implementation:

This is a field-based, hands-on activity best done in small groups at a safe coastal site.
Before going out, have students study the provided mussel identification guide and the mapping protocol.
Have students predict where they expect to find mussels; after the field activity, have them compare predictions with what they observed and with the shared data set.
Have students analyze the shared observation data for patterns by region, habitat type, or season, then construct an evidence-based argument about where mussels are thriving and where populations may be shifting.
Facilitate a discussion about the importance of mussels to the region's culture, environment, and economy.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

Scientist Reviewed

This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.

Learn about our review process →

Related Teaching Resources

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.

Cookie Preferences

Mussel Bed Mapping

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources