(Photo above courtesy of Christine Coffin)
It has been called the “evil twin” of climate change. As the oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and surface waters become more acidic, changes to marine ecosystems are likely to follow. Coral reefs, shell-forming organisms and the fish and marine mammals that depend on them are at risk.
At Oregon State University – Cascades upcoming Science Pub on Tuesday, November 15, OSU Marine Ecologist George Waldbusser will describe what scientists know about the biological effects of ocean acidification, focusing on Oregon’s coast and it’s highly impacted oyster industry.
The presentation will include demonstrations with live oysters and real-time carbon dioxide sensors, and audience participation.
Waldbusser is an assistant professor of ocean ecology and biogeochemistry in OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. His research interests include animal sediment interactions, ocean acidification, marine invertebrate ecology, and estuarine biogeochemistry.
His research has been supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oregon Sea Grant and other agencies.
Waldbusser received his Ph.D. in biological oceanography at the University of Maryland in 2008. In addition to professional publications, his research has appeared in the New York Times, CBS and NBC News, Oregon Public Broadcasting, Mother Jones magazine and Forbes.
OSU-Cascades Science Pubs engage community members in the work underway by Oregon State researchers from both the Corvallis and Bend campuses. Since 2009, OSU-Cascades has hosted about 50 Science Pubs on topics ranging from fermentation science to forest fires to autism.
Science Pubs take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Networking and food and beverage service begin at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Science Pubs are free to community members, but reservations are required. Space is limited to 100 guests. Register by 5pm the day prior to each Science Pub at http://www.osucascades.edu/sciencepubs
