Washington’s shellfish growers are seeing an increase in the deaths of juvenile shellfish larvae, which has been linked to acidic marine waters. In December 2011, Washington became the first state in the nation appoint a panel of leading science and policy experts to respond to this ocean health issue, to expand Washington’s shellfish resources, promote clean-water commerce, and create family-wage jobs.

Washington shellfish growers directly and indirectly employ more than 3,200 people and provide an estimated total economic contribution of $270 million per year.

The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification meeting scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 23 in Seattle will be open to the public. It will also be broadcast by webinar so people may join online. The meeting will be held in NHS Hall of the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture located at 3501 NE 41st St.

Among the items on the day-long meeting agenda, Richard Feely, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and Terri Klinger, from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, will provide an overview of the key findings from a science summary panel scientists are preparing.

The presentation will include key findings related to the physical causes of ocean acidification, biological harm, and monitoring.

Find a copy of the meeting materials, learn how to join the webinar and read more about the panel and its findings online.