WHOI Sea Grant Headlines the State of Wellfleet Harbor Conference

"In my opinion, the beach is a living breathing thing. It changes every day, with every wave. When the wind blows, the beach changes."

That's what WHOI Sea Grant coastal processes specialist Bryan McCormack told the more than 185 people who filled the auditorium for the 2025 State of Wellfleet Harbor Conference on November 1. In his keynote, Bryan discussed the science behind the movement of sand, how coastal managers can figure out how beach systems are changing and what to expect in the future. His talk set the stage for presentations on the geologic history of Duck Harbor and current and potential restoration projects. Attendees also heard about efforts to control invasive green crabs, the ecology of migratory whimbrels, and an update on the striped bass population in Massachusetts.

Congratulations on a great conference to the organizers, including Mass. Audubon, Center for Coastal Studies, Friends of Herring River, Wellfleet Oysters Alliance, Town of Wellfleet Natural Advisory Board, WHOI Sea Grant, Barnstable County Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, Wellfleet Conservation Trust, and Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater.

» You can watch Bryan's talk (starting at 05:56) or watch them all on the see all!