N.H. Governor John Lynch came to Durham Friday, April 21, to celebrate Earth Day with a research-focused cruise around Great Bay. Hosted by vice president for research and public service John Aber, Lynch spent several hours aboard UNH’s R/V Kingsbury with UNH researchers and regional conservation and stewardship partners learning about efforts to protect the Great Bay estuary. Following the cruise, Lynch visited with UNH researchers at Jackson Estuarine Lab. "Great Bay is just one example of New Hampshire's many natural treasures -- treasures that we must work together to protect, " Gov. Lynch said.

Ray Grizzle, research associate professor of zoology, tongs for oysters in Great Bay.

Lynch (left) examines plankton sampled from Great Bay's waters with (from left) John Aber, UNH vice president for research and public service; Chris Manning, UNH Center of Excellence for Coastal Ocean Observation and Analysis; and Ru Morrison, UNH Center of Excellence for Coastal Ocean Observation and Analysis.

Back at Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, Governor Lynch takes a closer look at plankton sampled from Great Bay as UNH Marine Program director Jon Pennock looks on.