Seminar on Acidification

Dr. Stephen Pacella on a research cruise.

HMSC VIRTUAL RESEARCH SEMINAR THURSDAY, March 4, 2021

When ocean acidification is discussed, the focus is usually on the nearshore ocean, but estuaries can be affected, too.  The next talk in the Hatfield Marine Science Center’s Research Seminar Series, by Stephen Pacella of the Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development, deals with “Observations and drivers of coastal acidification in Pacific Northwest estuaries.”  It takes place on Thursday, March 4, at 3:30 p.m.  The online presentation is free and open to all. 

Dr. Pacella’s research focuses on estuarine ecology and biogeochemistry, including acidification. His work is currently concentrated on Tillamook Bay.  His description of his topic:

“Coastal acidification is broadly defined as the lowering of pH in coastal ocean and estuarine waters as a result of human activities, including fossil fuel combustion, land use change, and eutrophication.  A growing literature shows water quality impacts from these drivers of coastal acidification can impair the fitness of coastal organisms and has negatively impacted commercial fisheries in the United States.  Creating effective management strategies and understanding decision tradeoffs for addressing coastal acidification impacts will likely require an improved understanding of the role of local versus global acidification drivers.  This presentation will discuss recent and ongoing research to characterize the dynamics and drivers of coastal acidification in Pacific Northwest estuaries.  Results of these studies reveal how both global and local human activities can enhance coastal acidification in estuarine environments via multiple pathways, creating “hotspots” of water quality degradation and exceedances of physiological thresholds for endemic organisms. We highlight how potential management for water quality impacts in estuaries can be informed by accounting for the spatial and temporal interactions between local and global drivers of acidification.” 

For the live broadcast of this virtual Thursday Seminar, go here.

Password: 972587 or call +1-971-247-1195 US Meeting ID: 945 5573 1151