Watershed
Chilmark and West Tisbury contribute to the 11,005-acre watershed.
Pond
The pond has an area of 662 to 800 acres, a mean depth of 5.4 to 8.2 feet, and a tidal range of 0.6ft.
Water Quality
The MVC categorized this pond as Compromised. Little, widely varied eelgrass. Occasional problems with wrack algae. Low dissolved oxygen in deep water. Water quality varies with duration of pond openings.
Massachusetts Estuaries Project Study
The Tisbury Great Pond MEP Report was released in August 2013. It recommended nitrogen reduction of 19%.
Implementation
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The MEP recommended regularly scheduled pond openings, particularly the summer opening in August, projecting that this should maintain nutrient levels for the acceptable habitat quality throughout the embayment.
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Oyster aquaculture project proposed.
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Over 100 cubic yards of shell was placed in June 2013 and seeded with spat from Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group also had natural set.
Pond Association
Riparian Owners of Tisbury Great Pond.