Keith Conant

I am a committed environmentalist, dedicated to conservation and the preservation of wildlife through scientific research, conservation, and education by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge of all regions. Covering marine biology, water quality science, unique habitats (coral reefs, estuaries, salt marshes, watershed etc) and fisheries management.

As senior biologist for the Island of Nantucket I regularly preformed water quality investigations of its harbors, fresh water ponds, streams, and brackish water ponds. This also included fisheries management of the bay scallop fishery and its sea grass habitat. I also supervised an aquaculture program for oysters, quahogs (hard clams), soft-shell clams, and bay scallops.

This included phytoplankton monitoring for red tides and habitat monitoring. I initiated fisheries sanctuaries and an eel grass restoration program. Writing grants for shellfish propagation and man made wetlands.

Conducting laboratory analysis for nitrogen, phosphorous and chlorophyll content: as well as filtration for organic nitrogen. These programs enabled the town to qualify for large grants and include the island in federal assistance in restoration programs. And years of bay scallop research led to protection of the fishery and the changing of a law to protect juvenile scallops furthering the protection and longevity of the fishery, which was vital to the local economy.

I graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachlor of science in environmental science in 1996. The core curriculum consited of mainly science based classes which later progressed to anthropogenic uses and results as related to our natural environment. Best management practices were expounded upon inorder to evaluate, deliniate, and mitigate problems that arise from the misuse of natural resources.

Since then I have been working in the fields of water quality science, marine biology, coastal zone management, fisheries science, and habitat restoration.