[SEMCO] Effects on Shellfish of Acidification of Coastal Waters subject of Tuesday's presentation

[Muller, Joan (DCR)]

Research @ Reserve Coffee House tackles the issue of "Shellfish, fossil fuels, and our changing coastal waters"
On Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 pm, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve's Community Coffee House series, Research at the Reserve presents Dr. Daniel McCorkle of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) who will share the results of his research in Waquoit Bay. His work shows that the water in Waquoit  Bay is more acidic than the open ocean waters. What processes cause this acidity, and what effect may it have on our local shellfish? Just like battery acid can corrode metal, higher acidity in our waters can dissolve shells and lead to lower survival. Is this happening to young shellfish in our coastal waters and bays?   How is this connected to people driving cars or heating our homes?
The burning of fossil fuels and loss of wetlands and forests are causing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to rise. As this carbon dioxide dissolves into the ocean, the pH of seawater drops, a process called "ocean acidification". Scientists world-wide are working to understand this process, and its potential impacts on marine life.  Water chemistry data from Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts illustrate the dramatic range in the carbonate chemistry of near shore waters, which often show higher and more variable acidity than are observed in the open ocean. Laboratory experiments show that elevated carbon dioxide levels can cause increased death rates and slower growth in young shellfish.

Dr. McCorkle is the Chair of Geology and Geophysics Department at WHOI and a leader of the Ocean Acidification Initiative there.  He's been studying the effects of increased acidity in oceans and coastal waters on corals and shellfish in a variety of locations, including Waquoit Bay. Dr. McCorkle correlated his findings with Waquoit Bay Reserve's information from the National Estuarine Research Reserve's System-Wide Monitoring Program water quality data. The R at R programs this spring will each put a spotlight on a particular aspect of this national program. Participants will get a quick intro on how to access local and national weather and water quality information in real time on their Smart phones or tablets with a new mobile device application recently released.

Doors open at 6:45 pm with a chance to view the exhibits in the visitor center and sample some homemade sweets and coffee and tea. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mug as well as a flashlight for traveling from the parking lot.  Admission is free. For more information, call 508-457-0495 x 107 or 108. Waquoit Bay Reserve is located at 131 Waquoit Highway (Route 28), Waquoit, Massachusetts. For more information and a downloadable flyer, go to www.waquoitbayreserve.org<http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org>

Joan Muller
Education Coordinator
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
149 Waquoit Hwy.
Box 3092
Waquoit, MA 02536
508-457-0495 x107
www.waquoitbayreserve.org

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