[SEMCO] WHOI August Science Made Puiblic Schedule

[Kathy Patterson]

August Science Made Public

The WHOI Ocean Science Exhibit Center and Information Office are 
sponsoring a series of public talks by WHOI scientists and engineers. 
Designed for a lay audience, this series is a great opportunity to learn 
more about WHOI science.
All talks are held on Tuesdays at 2:30 at the WHOI Ocean Science Exhibit 
Center Auditorium <http://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=8958>, 15 School 
Street, Woods Hole.
Everyone is welcome to attend.

August 5 - Ocean Acidification: Will the Clam Chowder Run Out?
*Sarah Cooley, Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department *
Many people already know that burning fossil fuels is increasing 
atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, but most don’t know that it’s also 
completely changing ocean chemistry by acidifying our oceans. In the 
next 50 years, survival will become increasingly hard for shellfish and 
corals. Learn about the connection between today’s traffic jams and 
tomorrow’s seafood supply, and hear how food shortages and economic 
losses worldwide may be prevented.

August 12 - Shellfish Science: Measuring Habitat Value
*Bill Walton, Woods Hole Sea Grant*
Oysters, clams, and other shellfish are essential parts of our coastal 
ecosystem, as well as the basis of commercial and recreational 
fisheries. With increasing shoreline development, understanding and 
measuring the value of marine habitats to shellfish has become 
increasingly important. Learn about current research here on Cape Cod 
assessing shellfish habitat.

August 19 - Causes and Impacts of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
*Mindy Richlen, Biology Department*
Ciguatera is a serious form of food poisoning caused by eating tropical 
reef fishes that have accumulated naturally occurring toxins. These 
toxins are produced by microscopic algae that inhabit coral reefs. 
Ciguatera is the most common human illness associated with harmful algal 
blooms (HABs) and the one with the greatest public health and economic 
impact. Although ciguatera is a significant human health hazard, an 
important component of the food web of coral reefs, and a major obstacle 
to tropical fisheries, very little is known about why outbreaks occur. 
Learn more about ciguatera and how scientists are trying to understand 
the causes of this mysterious illness.

August 26 - Right Whale Auto Detection Buoy Network
*John Kemp, Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department*
Ship strikes are a major cause of death for the endangered right whale. 
Learn about the development of a passive acoustic mooring-based 
detection system in Cape Cod Bay to monitor marine mammal activity. The 
system detects sounds of right whales and other species, posting them 
with aerial survey sightings to the NOAA Right Whale Sighting Advisory 
System web site. This system allows ship captains to slow their speed 
when notified that a right whale is present in the area.