Most people picture Narragansett Bay as calm, sparkling, and post card-perfect. But if you’ve ever been out there in a small boat with a cooler full of sample bottles and a mission to track down bacteria data, you should know the truth: the bay has trolls.
Every other week, we’re out on the bay collecting water samples to test for bacteria. Why? Because the health of Narragansett Bay isn’t just about how pretty it looks, its about what’s living in it, and sometimes, what’s floating in it that shouldn’t be. Bacteria levels can mean the difference between a thriving shellfish industry and a “DO Not Harvest” sign. Our data helps protect public health, the environment, and the economy.
Why would trolls be out in the bay, you ask? A few theories staff have in mind. Perhaps trolls follow the plankton blooms. Scientist track all sorts of information, why not troll movement. Trolls may have a curiosity about science and wants to see what we are doing. Water sampling is fascinating! Finally we think the trolls like a good swim in the Narragansett Bay. So, next time your out on the bay and something catches your eye, don’t be too quick to dismiss it. It just might be …a troll!