James Duffy
Current Job: Naturalist, Baltimore County Dept. of Recreation and Parks at Marshy Point Nature Center
Current Project: Leading community SAV data collection kayak trips and planning sentinel site at Marshy Point Nature Center, publishing legal research paper on the role of law in achieving the CBP's SAV acreage goals
State(s) working in: Maryland
Where are you from: Baltimore, MD
What do you think is the main reason we should protect SAV?
In my experience, habitats characterized by SAV represent an integral yet underrecognized component of the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystems, as well as an underutilized tool for coastal climate adaptation. I believe that protecting and restoring SAV are important means to ensuring a healthy, productive estuary for future generations and building coastal resilience to the uncertainties posed by climate change.
How do you feel your research will make a difference in the SAV community?
I hope that leading community science workshops on the Upper Chesapeake Bay will enhance community literacy, spark curiosity, and spur greater advocacy for the incredible SAV habitats in this region. Through my academic endeavors, I hope to enter and contribute to important regulatory conversations about the relationship between SAV restoration, climate adaptation, and water quality in the Chesapeake region.
What is one of your best memories working with SAV?
Some of my fondest SAV memories are from my years as a summer camp counselor at Marshy Point Nature Center, where I first became aware of the impressive diversity of the Upper Bay's SAV communities. As a camp counselor, I enjoyed sharing stories about SAV with my campers and leading activities like wading, seining, kayaking, and canoeing in the creeks and coves that the SAV species populated.
What keeps you motivated to keep caring about the future of SAV?
Initiatives like this collaborative inspire me. I am truly honored to be considered a part of this network, which features some of the nation's leading SAV experts. The chance to learn and collaborate with them motivates me to continue and expand my work.
More about James’s story
James Duffy is a Naturalist with Baltimore County’s Department of Recreation and Parks. In this role, he leads environmental education and outreach programs at Marshy Point Nature Center in Chase, Maryland. He is a lifelong resident of coastal Baltimore County.
James is also in his final year at the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he serves as the President of the Environmental Law Society and the Comments Editor for the University of Baltimore Law Review. During law school, James has conducted research on regulatory and legal tools for restoring SAV in the Chesapeake Bay. He became more interested in SAV management and coastal law during his two legal internships during law school: first, with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General for the Department of Natural Resources, and later, withthe United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Office of Civil Enforcement, Water Enforcement Division. After graduating, James hopes to use his legal education to support government-led aquatic habitat protection and restoration.
