113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
SHOALS MARINE LABORATORY SUMMER 2021 OPERATING PLAN Overview Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is committed to the health and safety of our community. In this document, we outline the procedures and policies SML will implement during our 2021 operating season to maximize well-being in light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The Memorandum of Understanding between Cornell University (Cornell) and University of New Hampshire (UNH) for the operations of SML states that UNH is responsible for the administrative oversight, and thus, this plan engages UNH COVID-19 resources to aid SML’s COVID-19 planning. Throughout this plan, we adhere to the best practices used by our parent institutions and adapt as necessary to meet the needs of our island community and the fluidity of state policies and regulations. Our strategy for the 2021 summer operating season centers around reducing density and potential spread across all in-person academic programming, research, and public programs. We will do this with a strong focus on spatial separation of program pods and operate in a manner that meets or exceeds the protocols for pre-arrival quarantine, housing, testing, food service, social distancing, sanitation, and mask use that have allowed for successful spring and fall semesters on the campuses of Cornell and UNH. We understand that the COVID landscape is changing over time. We will continue to update our operations to match UNH and Cornell practices and adapt as necessary to meet the needs of our island community. We have written this plan based on the assumption that we cannot require vaccines within our island community though we will do our best to encourage it. Our operations will follow a similar process for academic, research and public outreach programs.
Academic Programs The calendar below shows that three academic courses will run simultaneously on the island which we will treat as three socially and spatially distanced groups (referred to as ‘pods’ in this plan) on our island campus. We will stagger the start dates for each course to minimize congestion at our dock in Portsmouth, NH, and also to avoid potential mixing of pods during the transit from Portsmouth to Appledore Island. Teaching staff (faculty and teaching assistants) will arrive and depart SML with their affiliated students. The traditional faculty meetings held on Sunday nights before the start of a course will be conducted remotely to avoid housing 1
Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
overlap between teaching staff in separate pods. Prior to arrival to the island, SML staff will inform faculty of their pod-specific dorm facilities, classroom spaces, lab spaces, and instructions on using shared facilities (showers, dining, etc.) in a manner that will eliminate potential overlap between pods and allow for disinfecting/sanitation procedures to be maintained. We expand on key aspects of our facilities and day-to-day operations below. It is important to note that the maximum class size is 16 students + 3 teaching staff. Classes run for a maximum of two weeks. Thus, other than the staff, the average person on island would be there for two weeks and live in a pod of no more than 19 people. The maximum daily total island population is expected to be around 68 (3 class pods of 18 + 9 staff + 2-3 researchers) people total. Summer 2021 Academic Calendar The courses in light blue are on-island undergraduate course, darker blue are online undergraduate courses. Please note that there might be some last-minute shifts in this schedule but the staggered pod arrival and departure as well as the three-course maximum will be maintained. See our website for all updates. S ML Academic C oordinators : Dr. E ugene W on (C ornell): etw36@ cornell.edu Dr. G regg Moore (UNH): gregg.moore@ unh.edu Dr. Liz C raig (O ther C olleges & High S chool): ecc79@ cornell.edu
2021 Academic C alendar W eek beginning (Mondays ): May 24
May 31
C ale ndar as of A pril 6, 2021
J un 7
J un 14
B IOS M 3740 / ME FB 510: Field Ornithology (exact dates T B D)
B IOS M 2800 / ME FB 702: S us tainable Fis heries (J une 1 - J une 15)
B IOS M 3330 / ME FB 506: Marine Paras itology & Dis eas e (J une 2 - J une 16)
J une 21
J une 28
B IOS M 1610 / ME FB 674: E cology and the Marine E nvironment (J une 14 - J une 28) B IOS M 3750 / ME FB 508: Integrated E cos ys tem R es earch & Management (J une 15 - J une 29)
B IOS M 3290 / ME FB 714: Field Animal B ehavior (J une 16 - J une 30)
J uly 5
J uly 12
B IOS M 1780 / ME FB 530: E volution and Marine Divers ity (J une 28 - J uly 14)
B IOS M 3210 / ME FB 754: Anatomy and Function of Marine Vertebrates (J une 29 - J uly 13) B IOS M 1500 / ME FB 403: Inves tigative Marine B iology L aboratory (J une 30 - J uly 14)
B IOS M 3450 / ME FB 535: Marine Mammal B iology (online only) (J une 7 - J uly 2)
J uly 18
J uly 26
Augus t 2
B IOS M 2500 / ME FB 500: C oas tal Habitat Field R es earch Methods (J uly 14 - J uly 28)
B IOS M 4650 / ME FB 741: S hark B iology & C ons ervation (J uly 13 - J uly 27)
B IOS M 4990 / ME FB 751: R es earch in B iology (J uly 14 - J uly 28) S hoals R es earch Apprentices hip B IOS M / ME FB : C oas tal E nvironmental J us tice (online only) (J uly 12-Aug 6)
2 www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.org | shoals.lab@ unh.edu | 603.862.5346 | @ S hoalsMarineLab S hoals Marine Laboratory is jointly operated by C ornell Univers ity and the Univers ity of New Hamps hire.
Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
Research Activities at SML SML is planning to support limited field work/data collection with a focus on long-term research projects, as well as the sustainable engineering program that is operated in collaboration with UNITIL Corporation. The research projects, primary investigator, and an approximate number of participants are outlined in the table below. Research teams will be in pods similar to our courses and will adhere to pod protocols outlined below. 2021 SML Research Programs Research Project
Principal Investigator(s)
Size of Research Team
Appledore Island Migration Station
Dr. Sara Morris
6 volunteer banders
Mobile Avian Recording Studio
Dr. Sara Morris
Gull Population Biology Subtidal Community Monitoring Project Intertidal Transects Study Parasite Ecology Project
Dr. Sarah Courchesne Dr. Jarrett Byrnes Dr. Kylla Benes Dr. April Blakeslee Dr. Amy Fowler
2 undergraduate researchers 1 co-PI and up to 8 undergraduate researchers up to 4 graduate and undergraduate researchers 2 undergraduate researchers 2 undergraduate researchers
Duration of Stay 4 weeks in May/June; 2 weeks in August 1 week in late May 1 week in May; 1 week in July 2.5 weeks in late July/early August 3 weeks in late July/early August 2 weeks in early June; 3 weeks in late July/early August
Public Outreach Programs SML is planning to support several adult (over 18 years of age) overnight public education programs (see calendar below). These programs will be in pods similar to courses and will adhere to pod protocols outlined below. They will not overlap with other pods in living or program spaces. Vaccines will be strongly encouraged for all participants. Programs will be limited to 20 participants with the exception of the Alumni and Friends program, which will be capped at 40 participants divided into pods by dorms. Participants will only have roommates if they chose to. The faculty of each program will be housed as a unit and separate from others.
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Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
SML Public Outreach Program Program Name Shoals Ecology Shoals History and Archeology / Seascapes and Landscapes Take a Bite Out of Appledore Isles of Shoals Birding Alumni and Friends
Dates August 20 - 22 August 23 - 27 August 27- 30 August 30-Sept 2 Sept 3- 6
Pre-arrival protocols for all day or overnight visitors: All visitors to SML will be required to follow all New Hampshire and Maine pandemic travel related laws and requirements. Please note that some SML policies are equal to or more stringent than those of our parent institutions and state policies. All SML visitors must adhere to all of the following (please read carefully as vaccines and overnight stays impact the rules you need to follow): • Quarantine - Participants traveling from within the United States (& US Territories) and who are not vaccinated will be expected to self-quarantined for 10 days prior to arrival at the SML dock in Portsmouth, NH. This pre-arrival self-quarantine may be completed anywhere in the United States. These participants will need to sign an attestation that they quarantine appropriately (see FAQ page). Please note: Individuals who are fully vaccinated with CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival at SML will be exempt from pre-arrival quarantine requirements- please be ready to show your original vaccination card along with a government or school issued photo ID card at the SML dock. • International Participants – Participants coming via international travel (regardless of vaccination status) are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States. Participants are advised to check CDC’s website for a list of prohibited travel from specific countries. Once in the United States, travelers are expected to adhere to state or local recommendations or requirements. International travelers, regardless of vaccination status, need to self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival in the country. This means that international participants must stay in a hotel for 10 days and receive a negative test during this time in order to board an SML boat. • Negative Tests - All participants (even those fully vaccinated) are required to present a provider-administered negative PCR-based COVID test result to board any SML vessel and/or come onto the island. The test must be administered within 7 days of arrival to 4
Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
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the dock, and results must be uploaded to the UNH test portal at least 72 hours before arrival. If UNH has not reviewed and approved your test results via the portal, you will not be transported to the island. For legal reasons and your protection, there will be no exceptions for test results that were NOT approved via the UNH portal. Antigen tests and other non-PCR-based testing will not be accepted. Vaccine notification – Individuals who are fully vaccinated with CDC-approved COVID19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival at SML must show SML staff at the dock your original vaccination card along with a government or school issued photo ID. SML does not require a vaccine; however, it is strongly encouraged. Fully vaccinated individuals will be able to avoid quarantining and other disruptions to academic programs in the event of close contact with a Covid-19 positive individual. Health Screening - Health and quarantine attestations will be required for all participants prior to boarding SML vessels bound for Appledore Island. Forehead temperatures via non-contact thermometer will be measured prior to boarding. Individuals with body temperatures above 100.3 degrees F will be assessed by SML’s medical staff in consultation with UNH Health and Wellness. Individuals not cleared by medical staff will not be transported to Appledore Island. The Individual COVID-19 Evacuation Plan will be consulted for how this participant will exit the dock. Individual COVID-19 Evacuation Plan - All overnight visitors will be required to submit an Individual COVID-19 Evacuation Plan. This plan will include emergency contact information and the selection of one of two choices for what evacuation action will be taken should that individual test positive for COVID-19: (1) transported to UNH COVID Dorm or (2) private pick up at our dock. Private pick up must occur within 24 hours of notification. The use of this plan will begin at the dock when participants go through the initial health screening- please have a copy of this plan with you at the dock. First SML COVID-19 Test - All SML incoming overnight residents will be tested at the SML dock, prior to boarding a vessel to Appledore Island.
Please note, everyone heading to the island will need to be dropped off and picked up at SML’s dock in Portsmouth, NH. It is recommended that people dropping participants off at the dock do not leave the area until the participant is through all health checks. For the safety of all, SML will not provide transportation to/from local housing or locally parked vehicles. Please reference the Getting to Shoals page for comprehensive travel information. Failure to provide all the pre-arrival documentation and agreement to island COVID-19 procedures will cause the participant to be excluded from travel to Appledore Island. 5
Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
Island-based COVID-19 Mitigation Procedures: On-island operations specific to preventing COVID-19 transmission within the SML community that all visitors must adhere to: 1. Mitigating COVID-19 exposure: • Physical Distancing – Everyone must adhere to at least 6-ft social distance (with masks) at all times. SML will meet or exceed any COVID-19 distancing requirements set forth by the United States Coast Guard aboard subchapter T inspected passenger vessels. More than 10ft social distancing will be required outdoors in the field if masks are not in place. • Mask use – Everyone must wear a mask that is appropriate for reducing airborne viral transmission indoors, when less than 6-ft from others, and aboard SML vessels. Masks can be removed while dining and in your assigned dorm room. Masks must be well fitting and cover the nose and mouth. Masks utilizing exhaust valves or face shields will not be permitted. Facial coverings need to be constructed of suitable materials for reduction of airborne viral transmission (facial coverings made of fleece and similar polyester materials will not be allowed). All participants will be expected to bring a sufficient number of masks for daily replenishment or a mask that is suitable for safe multiple-day use. SML will maintain an inventory of disposable masks for distribution if needed. N95 masks are currently stockpiled for use by suspected or confirmed COVID positive individuals, and by staff working across pods. • Sanitation and Cleaning - All shared facilities (bathrooms, showers, dining, etc.) will be sanitized twice daily by SML custodial staff using EPA approved list N disinfectants and recommended contact times will be followed. A log of daily cleanings will be maintained by SML custodial staff. Communal laboratory equipment will be disinfected by teaching assistants or researchers, with oversight and instruction by SML’s Lab Coordinator. Sanitation of classrooms and laboratories during changeover periods between users will be completed by SML custodial staff, informed by SML’s Programs Coordinator. Participants will have assigned seating/spaces within classrooms and laboratories (names will be written on masking tape in space); contact with unassigned seating/spaces will require appropriate sanitation prior to and after use. Dining areas will be sanitized by SML custodial staff after each meal period, following protocols consistent with best practices set forward by the Maine Center for Disease Control Health Inspection Program (Maine CDC HIP). Ethanol based hand sanitizer stations will be installed in all residential buildings, classrooms, and laboratories. Additionally, portable supplies of ethanol-based sanitizer will be available for use in the field and 6
Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
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aboard SML vessels. Cleaning and sanitation of residential areas will be completed by SML’s custodial staff, informed by the SML Island Coordinator. Use of 'Pods’ - SML will maintain distinct pods to minimize the possibility of COVID-19 transmission across our island campus. Pods will be comprised of individuals working together for a particular research/educational/program purpose. Credit course participants and their associated teaching staff will be considered a pod and will be housed and transported (by boat or vehicle) separately from other pods. Research teams and public programs will also form pods. Different pods will not share classroom space, laboratory space, or dining areas. Pod membership does not negate policies related to physical distancing, mask use, or sanitation requirements as described above. SML staff will periodically need to join pods to facilitate travel, classroom, field, and lab activities. SML staff will not be permitted to join pods for purposes of dining or housing. Extreme care will be taken by SML staff when working within pods (N95 masks will be worn by staff) to prevent becoming a vector for viral transmission between pods. Barriers and Signage - SML will install a plexiglass barrier between the commercial kitchen and common area of our dining hall to facilitate food distribution as described below. Signage will be installed across campus to remind participants of best practices in laboratory, dining, housing, and classroom spaces. Maximum occupancies will be posted for vessel and facility spaces. In areas where bottlenecks are anticipated (docks, vessels, and dining) measured social distancing identifiers will be installed. Dining - SML’s dining hall and commercial kitchen operations are licensed by the State of Maine Health Inspection Program (HIP) and undergo routine inspection. Handwashing protocols outlined by the Maine CDC HIP will be followed by foodservice staff and by participants prior to dining. Food will be plated by SML staff through (under) an installed plexiglass barrier between the staff member and participant receiving the meal. Participants will enter the dining area in scheduled pods to receive food. Consumption of meals will be outdoors (decks/picnic tables) segregated by pod, or indoors, in well ventilated areas, segregated by pod with attention to physical distancing. Plastic reusable dishware will be purchased to permit easy transportation of dishes across our island campus. SML’s commercial dishwasher utilizes bleach (sodium hypochlorite) injection in the final disinfection cycle. Snack food (fruit, baked goods, etc.) will be delivered to each pod for consumption outdoors or in their assigned classroom spaces with attention to physical distancing. 7
Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
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Housing, Restrooms, and Showers - Housing will be assigned with one pod per building or floor (20 individuals maximum). Maximum room occupancy will be two. Participants will bring their own bed linens (including blanket/sleeping bag) and pillow. Individuals will not be permitted in housing spaces not assigned to them. Occupants of dorm rooms will be assigned distinct dates/times for shower facility use. Disinfection of shower facilities will be completed by SML custodial staff before transitioning use between pods.
2. Testing and Screening Procedures: • Twice weekly certified PCR Testing - All SML residents will be tested using the University of New Hampshire’s COVID-19 PCR testing laboratory twice weekly with the first sample collected at the SML dock prior to boarding a vessel to Appledore Island. All tests will be self-administered and overseen by SML staff in a manner that certifies the identity of each test taker. Please bring government or school issued photo ID card with you to the island. • Rapid Testing - Antigen test kits, pulse oximeters, and non-contact thermometers will be maintained for use by trained SML medical staff to rapidly assess participants on Appledore Island and at our mainland dock facilities. 3. Communication, Isolation, and Positive Cases Procedures: • Health Assessment and Care - Decisions regarding patient care will be made in consultation with UNH Health and Wellness, utilizing the testing resources at UNH. SML staff include a NH state-licensed physician and an emergency medical technician to facilitate on-island patient assessment and care in collaboration with UNH Health and Wellness. • Island Isolation Dorm - SML will maintain four bedrooms in Founders Hall for the purposes of confirmed, suspected, or presumed COVID positive patient isolation. This dorm will also serve as the 24-hour waiting space for those positive cases who are departing the island. These four rooms will have their own entrance from outside and will be isolated from the remainder of the building by a closed door with signage. This space includes separate restrooms. Meals will be delivered by SML staff in a manner that prioritizes staff safety and participant needs. • Island Quarantining – The roommate and other close contacts (someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 10 minutes (as per NH DHHS) starting from 48 hours before illness onset) of any COVID-19 positive person(s) will quarantine in 8
Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
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their dorm room and will only participate in field (outdoor) activities with their course. Best efforts will made to bring classroom and indoor laboratory activities to quarantined students via zoom. Meals and snacks will be delivered. Quarantine will last for 14 days since last exposure to any positive person. For course participants, this will likely cover the entire length of the program and might extend beyond leaving the island. All quarantining people are responsible for continuing their quarantine according to the university, town, state, and federal laws and guidance at their final destination. Fully vaccinated people who are determined to be close contacts of a COVID-19 positive person will not need to quarantine and can continue full participation in their course. Individual COVID-19 Evacuation Plan Use - This plan, submitted before island arrival, will be invoked if evacuation of a positive COVID-19 test is confirmed. COVID-19 positive persons will leave the island within 24 hours of confirmation. UNH COVID Dorm - Housing in UNH’s COVID Dorm will be requested for any SML students (students only) who tests positive for COVID-19 and does not have alternative off-island housing solutions. This choice will be indicated on their Individual COVID-19 Evacuation Plan. All other participants will have to leave the island and arrange for their own isolation housing. Hospitalization - In the event that hospitalization is determined to be necessary, patients will be transported to New Castle, NH aboard an SML vessel, and then via ambulance to Portsmouth Hospital. Life threatening emergencies will be evacuated directly from the island by helicopter using Life Flight of Maine. Program Cancellation and Individual Expulsion - SML reserves the right to discontinue programs and/or remove participants from the island at its discretion if conduct or viral transmission rates warrant. Individual failure to comply with the SML COVID-19 procedures, policies, and operations is grounds for immediate dismissal from SML programs and island residency. We will invoke the action steps outlined in the Individual COVID-19 Evacuation Plan. Program refund policies are on our website.
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Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
Appendix 1- Shoals Marine Laboratory Vessel Capacities* Vessel R/V Acipenser
Capacity 5
Description One in wheelhouse; additional spaced 6ft apart on deck R/V Storm Petrel 5 Same as above R/V JB Heiser 10 One in wheelhouse; additional spaced 6ft apart on deck R/V JM Kingsbury 21 Four in wheelhouse; additional spaced 6ft apart on deck *vessel capacities were determined in consultation with Ron O-Keefe, UNH Asst Director of Emergency Management
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Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.
113 Morse Hall, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 t: 603.862.5346 • f: 603.862.3151 • shoals.lab@unh.edu • shoalsmarinelaboratory.org
Appendix 2 – Palmer-Kinne Teaching Lab COVID-19 Protocol These protocols are intended to ensure the health and safely of students, teaching staff, and SML staff. Please work closely with SML’s Laboratory Coordinator to plan and organize all labbased activities. General Guidelines • Adhere to all traffic flow patterns established in the P-K lab. • Maintain 6-ft social distancing in all instructional/lab spaces. o Students should be assigned an individual lab bench space that they use for the duration of the course. Use masking tape to label spaces with student names. • Open windows and doors when possible to maintain air flow throughout the lab space. During Lab Activities • Approved face coverings must be worn at all times. • Sharing of lab equipment should be minimized to the extent possible. If equipment must be shared, students will be expected to disinfect using the approved method provided by the instructor/SML Laboratory Coordinator. At the End of Lab Sessions • Students should use approved disinfectant wipes to sanitize their individual lab bench spaces. • Disinfecting of all laboratory equipment will follow procedures established by SML’s Laboratory Coordinator. o Microscope: 70% ethanol or another approved sanitizing agent should be used to clean the body of the microscope. o Microscope eyepieces: Use lens paper and 70% ethanol to clean both oculars on the microscope. Use a gentle, circular motion, being cautious not to scratch the glass. o Computers/keyboards: 70% isopropanol is adequate for cleaning computer surfaces.
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Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, ME: Dedicated to undergraduate education & research in marine science since 1966.