PORT CLYDE — Two distinguished leaders in environmental science and communications have been appointed to Herring Gut Coastal Science Center's Advisory Council: Claire Parsons and Melissa Waterman.

The Advisory Council provides strategic guidance and expertise to support Herring Gut's mission of educating students and communities about the connections between Maine's waters, environment, and economy.

"We are thrilled to welcome Claire and Melissa to our Advisory Council," said Sarah Oktay, executive director of Herring Gut Coastal Science Center. "Their knowledge, experience, and passion for Maine's coastal ecosystems will help strengthen our programs and advance our work connecting people to science, stewardship, and the future of our marine environment."

Claire Parsons is a plant ecologist and the Plant Conservation Program Manager at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. She holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Colorado Denver, where her research focused on plant ecology and climate change. With a family connection to Port Clyde and summers spent exploring the Maine coast, Parsons developed an early appreciation for the region's natural ecosystems.

In her current role, Parsons leads efforts to conserve climate-imperiled habitats, protect threatened plant species, and restore native plant communities across Maine. She collaborates with partners statewide to strengthen ecological resilience and advance conservation initiatives that support both biodiversity and community well-being.

Melissa Waterman brings decades of experience in environmental communications and journalism. An environmental writer with a particular focus on the impacts of climate change on the Gulf of Maine, Waterman is well known to Midcoast readers through her long-running "Marine Matters" column, which appeared for many years in Rockland's Free Press.

For the past 16 years, Waterman has served as Communications Coordinator for the Maine Lobstermen's Association, where she produces the organization's monthly newspaper and helps communicate issues affecting Maine's iconic lobster industry. She lives in Owls Head with her husband, dog, and an ever-increasing number of sheep.

"Melissa's ability to translate complex environmental topics into compelling stories that resonate with the public is invaluable," said Oktay. "Her deep understanding of Maine's working waterfront communities and changing marine environment aligns perfectly with Herring Gut's mission."

"The addition of Parsons and Waterman further strengthens Herring Gut's Advisory Council as the organization expands programming focused on marine science education, climate resilience, workforce development, and community engagement throughout Maine," said Herring Gut.

Founded in 2001, Herring Gut Coastal Science Center is a nonprofit marine science education organization located on a working waterfront campus in Port Clyde, Maine. Through hands-on learning experiences, school programs, community science initiatives, and workforce development opportunities, Herring Gut connects people of all ages to the science, ecology, and economy of Maine's coastal waters. In 2025, the organization served more than 5,255 participants across eleven Maine counties through over 7,300 hours of science education. Herring Gut's mission is to educate students and communities about the connections between the ocean, inland waters, and the economy of Maine.