Coastal Conservation Association of New Hampshire
a member driven organization for everyone who cares about the health of our marine resources

Working to protect and preserve our coastal resources
Photo courtesy of Mark Drummond

Restoration efforts for local Oyster populations...

Keeping our coastal region clean: collaborative efforts with the Blue Ocean Society, Home Depot, and Great Bay TU

Supporting on-going fisheries research
Photo courtesy of Jim Bernstein

Conservation activism: One of several outreach events

Taking pride in our coastal areas: Island kayak Cleanup in Little Harbour

Community involvement: Wentworth Kid's Tournament
Photo courtesy of Ritchie White

Since 1998, Coastal Conservation Association of New Hampshire (CCANH) has advised and educated the public on the conservation of marine animal and plant life, and other coastal resources both onshore and offshore. The objective is to promote, protect and enhance the present and future availability of these coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.

Big Brothers / Big Sisters

CCA NH kids fishing event on the Atlantic Queen CCA NH works with the Seacoast Big Brothers / Big Sisters hosting a kids fishing event each year aboard the Atlantic Queen out of Rye Harbor.

Learn more the Seacoast Big Brothers / Big Sisters organization

Oyster Restoration Program

CCA NH working to restore Oysters in Great Bay CCA NH is actively involved with the on-going oyster restoration efforts in Great Bay. Working with local restaurants, and other supporting organizations to restore oyster beds.

Learn More

Dam Removals

CCA NH provides funding to support dam removal in the Great Bay Watershed CCA NH has provided financial support to help fund the removal of dams in the Great Bay Watershed. Dam removal is vital to restoring natural habitat, migration and spawning of many native aquatic species.

Latest News

2011 Oyster Festival Recap

Weather could not hinder the success of the first annual Oyster Festival, held October 2nd. Read more about the event, and acknoledgement of all the folks that helped to make it happen!

Event Recap

CCA NH supports the actions the EPA has taken against Grimmel

Portsmouth N.H. Scrap Metal Company Faces Fine for Polluted Water Discharges

(Boston, Mass. – October 5, 2011) – Grimmel Industries, a metal scrap recycler located on the banks of the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth, N.H. faces a large fine for allowing polluted stormwater to flow into surrounding waters, in violation of the Clean Water Act. EPA is seeking a proposed penalty of up to $532,500 from the company.

Stormwater monitoring by the property owner of Grimmel’s Portsmouth facility (Pease Development Authority) confirms stormwater discharges from Grimmel’s metal scrapyard operations contain metals, suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand which exceed permit benchmarks. Further, the stormwater discharges contain mercury and PCBs that cause or contribute to an exceedance of water quality standards.

Grimmel had several violations of the “Multi-sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity,” including failing to perform required inspections or sampling, and not taking corrective actions or required reviews of its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan to address the exceedances of benchmarks and water quality standards. Grimmel also has discharged stormwater and dust suppressant wastewater to the Piscataqua River, which is not allowed by the permit.

Following an EPA order in April 2011, Grimmel has terminated its unpermitted process water discharge and has taken measures to minimize pollutants in its stormwater.

Rainwater running off industrial sites such as metal scrapyards can carry sediments, oil and other pollutants which contaminate nearby streams, ponds and rivers. Sediments and chemicals can also contribute to fish die-offs, toxic algae blooms, contaminated shellfish beds and closed swimming beaches.

EPA inspected Grimmel Industries after receiving correspondence and relevant data from the New Hampshire office of the Conservation Law Foundation.

More information:

EPA Water Permit Program in New Englandhttp://www.epa.gov/region1/npdesEnforcing Clean Water requirements in New England http://www.epa.gov/region1/enforcement/water

Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England http://www.epa.gov/region1/newsevents/index.html http://www.epa.gov/region1/newsevents/index.htm
Follow EPA New England on Twitter http://twitter.com/epanewengland http://twitter.com/epanewengland

First Annual CCA NH Great Bay Oyster Festival

Seacoast Science Center Odiorne State Park, 12 pm - 4 pm

The CCA NH Oyster Shell Recycling Committee is working with the Seacoast Science Center to organize an oyster festival at Odiorne. There will be food offered by area restaurants, music, an oyster shucking contest, a limited live auction, outreach opportunities, plenty of oysters, beer and wine. Tickets will not go on sale until August. Check back for further details.

For additional information call 603 770 3201. Or email Jeff Barnum

CCA NH Reacts to Proposed Budget Cuts in New HB 1 & 2 Legislation

CCA NH is is opposed to certain budget cuts proposed in HB 1 & 2. Read the full release on our position regarding this new legislation as it effects the price tag on saltwater fishing licenses, and closures to NH DES Shellfish Program.

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Upcoming Events

At this time there are no events to announce. Check back soon.

Contribution Recognition

CCANH would like to recognize and thank these recent contributors:

Paul & Grace Holloway
Gift amount: $500

Joe Tucker
Gift amount: $100 Gift

Little Harbor Charitable Foundation
Gift amount: $1000.00

Mr. John Habig
Gift amount: $1000.00

Offshore Marine Outfitters
Gift amount: $500 of Circle Hooks

News from CCA National

Get the Recent from CCA National... Check out the CCA Newsroom, the place to find out the latest information on federal fishery management issues and more!