Emma green-beach
Executive Director and Shellfish Biologist
With MVSG since 2006, became full-time staff in 2014
Education: B.S. in Biology, U Mass Dartmouth (2006); M.S. in Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University (2011)
emma.greenbeach@mvshellfishgroup.org
“As soon as I began a summer job at the Shellfish Group in 2006, I knew that MVSG would be my instrument to help preserve the way of life that raised me. I grew up in Oak Bluffs; gathering seafood from Sengekontacket, Edgartown Great Pond and Wasque. Those are my most treasured childhood memories. I genuinely love every aspect of this organization because it all comes back to using shellfish as a connection point between people, jobs, food, and the environment.” -Emma
When Emma is not growing shellfish seed and writing grant proposals, you can find her knitting, gardening at home, or wandering down the beach with her family.
Rick karney
Director Emeritus and Shellfish Biologist
With MVSG since 1976
Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences, Rutgers University (1972)
mvsg@comcast.net
“I’ve been with MVSG since the beginning. I came to the island in the 70’s to help start The Shellfish Group and take part in creating a community-based shellfish management program that implements aquaculture methods for public shellfish stock enhancement. I’m proud to say that my work with MVSG has earned me the Gulf of Maine Visionary Award by the Gulf Maine Council in 2001 for demonstrating ‘that shellfish aquaculture can be an environmentally and economically sustainable activity for coastal communities’.” -Rick
When Rick is not reading shellfish papers and working on collaborations, you can find him enjoying the beach, or tending to his beautiful garden at home.
chris edwards
Hatchery and Facilities Manager
With MVSG since 2009
Education: B.S. in Environmental Conservation Studies, University of New Hampshire (2011)
chris@mvshellfishgroup.org
“I started working at the MV Shellfish Group as an intern to fulfill graduation requirements. I stayed and became full-time because I love watching and being part of the progression of the shellfish growing into tiny seed and knowing that one day they will be available for the entire island to enjoy.” -Chris
When Chris is not growing algae cultures and working in the hatchery, you can find him cooking for his friends and family, or fishing on the island’s beaches.
Nina E. Ferry Montanile
Education and Outreach Manager
With MVSG since 2022
Education: B.S. in English, Assumption College (2007); P.G. Diploma in Education, University of the South Pacific, Fiji (2009); M.S.LIS in Library and Information Science, Simmons University (2017)
nina@mvshellfishgroup.org
“I first partnered with the Shellfish Group in 2017 when I worked at the Oak Bluffs Library as their Head of Adult and Technology Services. Getting out of the library and into the ponds was magic. I didn’t know it at the time, but my place would eventually be here. Combining my background in information science and education with my interest in the natural world, allows me a fresh perspective. I can share what we do in a way that brings science to laymen. MVSG is my next step to support the island that raised me. I grew up in West Tisbury, but not on the ponds. I was on the oceanside and have seen that landscape change. I’ve traveled the world and witnessed how oceans and coastlines, ponds and weather patterns are changing. Martha’s Vineyard is a small island on the globe, but it can be a big change agent. I want to be a part of that conservation and restoration. I want every child who grows up here to see the island from the sea and the ponds, to learn sustainability and subsistence methods, to see where they can help instead of harm.” - Nina
When Nina is not learning how to grow and protect shellfish seed, working on grants, or educating the public, you can find her chasing her two young boys, Oliver & Leonardo. With her husband Matt, she enjoys the beach, travel, anything outside, and locating a cozy corner for reading in the winter months.
alley mcconnell
Restoration Coordinator
With MVSG since 2019
Education: B.A. in Biology with specialization in Marine Science, Eckerd College (2020)
alley@mvshellfishgroup.org
“I came to The Shellfish Group to learn more about shellfish ecology and habitat restoration. I love working at MVSG because we are doing so many good things for the island, from shell recycling with restaurants, to growing shellfish stock for public harvest. I learn something new every day and love being able to help maintain the island’s marine environment with my own two hands.” -Alley
When Alley is not replanting eelgrass and recycling shell, you can find her collecting quahog fragments on the beach, or rollerblading around the island.