Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / Concentrations of enteric bacteria exceeding the State of Massachusetts water quality limits for shellfish harvesting without depuration have prompted the closure of nearly one third of the shellfish beds in the northern reaches of the West Branch of the Westport River Estuary. / 2999-01-01