Published on May 1, 2013

Shallin Busch is a research ecologist at NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWSFC). Her current research focuses on how ocean acidification may impact North Pacific ecosystems. Using the NWFSC ocean acidification experimental system, Dr. Busch applies ecological models to explore how acidification’s impacts on susceptible species cascade through food webs, via trophic interactions, to affect other species. To date, these species include geoduck, Pacific oyster, mussels, manila clam, Pacific herring, China rockfish, surf smelt, Dungeness crab, krill, and copepods. Dr. Busch aims to generate data relevant to management of species and communities in a changing environment. Dr. Busch served on the Washington State Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification, and discusses how their 2012 report is informing state policy decisions.