The perils of ocean acidification will be the focus of a Thursday, May 11, presentation from Oregon State University researcher Dr. Francis Chan at Manzanita’s Pine Grove Community House.
A global challenge to the sustainability of marine ecosystems, ocean acidification has been linked to the reduction of shell material in coastal waters and the mortality of shell-forming marine life worldwide.
In a presentation co-hosted by the Lower Nehalem Watershed Council and Friends of Cape Falcon Marine Reserve, Chan will talk about the evolving understanding of the geography of ocean acidification and ecological vulnerability. His presentation will also discuss the role of marine reserves and the local community in advancing the state’s understanding of ocean acidification impacts within coastal waters as well as policy efforts and actions to address the challenges ahead.
Chan received his PhD in ecology from Cornell University and now serves as an associate professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University. His research is focused on understanding the ecosystem dynamics of coastal oceans. He has worked extensively on the causes and consequences of low-oxygen (hypoxia) zones along the West Coast. He is also working actively to understand the progression of ocean acidification in coastal waters and their implications for productive coastal oceans.
Chan’s presentation, which is free and open to all, will start at 7:20 pm at the Pine Grove Community House, 225 Laneda Avenue in Manzanita. Doors open at 6:30 pm for refreshments.
This event is part of the Lower Nehalem Watershed Council’s regular Speaker Series. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/lnwc1.
Oregon State Today, 2 May 2017. Further information.
