Ocean acidification symposium

Posted on EPOCA: 17 Oct 2011 — Washington Sea Grant is hosting the Symposium on Ocean Acidification, November 9 from 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, in Seattle.

 

November 9, 12:30 – 6:00 pm
Center for Urban Horticulture
3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle • Map

Ocean acidification is a worldwide phenomenon that may prove especially problematic in Puget Sound. Roughly one-third of the 77 million tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere every day is absorbed by the ocean.  Here, it reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, making seawater progressively more corrosive, affecting the survival of shell-forming organisms such as clams and oysters, as well as corals and many kinds of zooplankton.

At the symposium:

  • Bill Dewey, Policy and Communications Director of Taylor Shellfish Farms, will share stories from the “front lines” — where shellfish growers are striving to understand and adapt to a more acidic future.
  • An expert scientific panel, moderated by marine geochemist Richard Feely, will discuss the impact of ocean acidification on the primary and secondary producers that form the base of the Pacific Northwest marine food web.
  • Brian Baird, former Washington congressman and author of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act, will lead a panel of policy experts addressing the political challenges and opportunities presented by Ocean Acidification.
  • The event will close with a reception, at which participants can interact with speakers and each other over light refreshments (cash bar).

For more information see the symposium’s draft agenda.

Admission to the Symposium on Ocean Acidification is free; however, seating is limited and pre-registration is required. To request an invitation or for additional information, contact wsgoa@uw.edu.

Sea Grant WashingtonWeb site.