A medical advisor and consultant at Genetic Networks, Inc., in Westport, Connecticut, Jennifer Letitia, MD, has worked in medicine for over two decades. When not applying and/or developing her consulting skills, Dr. Jennifer Letitia enjoys being outdoors and supports multiple charities and foundations dedicated to preserving our natural resources, including the Buzzards Bay Coalition.
Formed in 1987, the Buzzards Bay Coalition was inspired when residents began to notice that shellfish beds were closing because of bacterial contamination and toxic pollution was spreading. Today, the membership-supported coalition works on sea and land via advocacy, conservation efforts, education, and research.
The biggest threat to the bay, nitrogen pollution turns the water cloudy and kills fish and other aquatic organisms. In an effort to prevent this, regulations are being put on septic systems and wastewater treatment plants are being upgraded to remove up to 90 percent of nitrogen from the output. Additional threats include oil spills, toxic pollution, and bacterial contamination.
A 432-square-mile area of land drains directly into the bay. The coalition works to conserve the forests, streams, and wetlands, making sure to maintain a high quality of life.
