The Influence of Ocean Acidification on Our Coastal Ecosystems

Thursday, March 23, 2016, 4:30 PM

Central Marin Police Headquarters Community Room

250 Doherty Drive, Larkspur

Ocean acidification is sometimes called “the other CO₂ problem” because the ocean has absorbed almost 30% of the CO₂ released through the combustion of fossil fuels.  This has changed the ocean’s chemistry, making it more corrosive to calcifying organisms, and the resulting changes are being observed in the waters that upwell along our shores in California and elsewhere. The consequences of these changes to marine life are beginning to be understood, and California is taking a leadership role in trying to understand and manage our coastal ecosystems to adapt to what is taking place. 

Ms. Neilsen will provide an overview of what we know, what we’re trying to learn more about, and how scientists are helping use what they have found out to inform policy in California. Her own research focuses on how climate change, ocean conditions, and human activities influence our coastal ecosystems. 

Please join us. This program is open to all MCL members and guests without charge. 

Romberg Tiburon Center is a global leader in research on the impacts of climate change on our global oceans.

Priscilla Bull (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Ann Thomas (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) are water speaker co-chairs and welcome comments and questions.