Michael Paolisso

• Cultural & Comunity Socioeconomic Component of the EIS for Proposed Introduction of Crassostrea
  Current (2006-06-11 - 2007-09-30)
  MD/DNR
  Abstract

  The State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia are considering the introduction of the oyster species Crassostrea ariakensis into the tidal waters of Maryland and Virginia. The strain of Crassostrea ariakensis the states are considering for use in an introduction is a Suminoe bred in Oregon. This is important to note since the use of a strain bred outside of the United States would have a different set of associated risks. The objective of the introduction, coupled with continued restoration efforts of the Bay’s native oyster (Crassostrea virginica), is to restore the Chesapeake Bay oyster population to a level that will provide self-sustaining harvests comparable to harvests in the 1920-1970 time period. Historical figures indicate that the annual harvest of Chesapeake Bay oysters for the 1920-1970 period averaged 4.9 million bushels (Lipton, Kirkley and Murray 2005). The potential benefits of this restoration could include the well known ecological services provided by oysters, most notably as filter feeders who remove phytoplankton, suspended solids and organic particles from the water, and as reef-builders who provide habitat for a wide range of other marine species. In addition, a restored oyster population can provide more harvest for the local oyster industry, which in turn would be supportive of Bay communities, and in particular watermen, oyster growers and processors.

• Linking Land Conservation and Rural Stakeholders through Cultural Model Research
  Current (2005-08-01 - 2008-07-31)
  USDA
  Abstract

  The proposed study investigates the cultural models rural stakeholders use to interpret and value land conservation programs. The study design is comparative, and includes qualitative and quantitative research for two regions: the Eastern Shore of Maryland and the Big Thicket area in East Texas. Theory and methods from cognitive and environmental anthropology will be used. The two study areas represent a range of land conservation programs, both at the state and local community levels. The research will include workshops for study participants to discuss and contribute to the overall findings, as well as final conferences in both regions for researchers, conservationists, policymakers and rural stakeholders. The project is two years in duration.

• Maryland Marine Managed Areas Inventory
  Ended (2005-10-01 - 2006-05-30)
  STMD
  

• Scholars Award in Methodological Training
  Ended (2005-07-15 - 2006-07-31)
  NSF
  

• Cultural Analysis for EIS on Oyster Restoration
  Ended (2004-06-01 - 2005-09-30)
  STMD-DNR
  

• Socio-Cultural Assesment of Monie Bay Reservation
  Ended (2005-02-01 - 2005-08-31)
  STMD