According to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA), the ocean covers 71 percent of the Earth’s surface and contains 97 percent of the planet’s water!  In addition to providing the nutrients to feed its aquatic ecosystem, the ocean’s bounty feeds and nourishes peoples around the planet. Research shows that our oceans are absorbing billions of tons of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels, changing coastal upwelling regions vital to the production of phytoplankton, and creating more acidic water conditions that put coral reefs and the whole web of life in jeopardy.

View of Tomales Bay from Hog Island Oysters      Photo: Lori Rice, www.fakefoodfree.com

This is the first of two lectures on how our oceans are faring. Speakers will acquaint us with the critical process of ocean upwelling, changes to the ocean’s salinity, and how coastal ecosystems are being impacted. Presenters:

• Professor John Largier, Bodega Marine Laboratory of UC Davis, Department of Environmental Science & Policy.  John is a recognized expert in the study of upwelling, acidification, and marine eco-dynamics.
• Terry Sawyer, co-owner of Hog Island Oysters in Tomales Bay.  Terry is an active participant in the Bodega Marine Laboratory’s study of acidification and its impact on marine animals. It is said that the shellfish farming industry is at “ground zero” for climate change. Dealing hands-on with these impacts on West Coast oyster hatcheries, Terry will share his perspective as a businessman-researcher.

Presented by the Environmental Forum of Marin, celebrating over 40 years of environmental education for the county’s leaders.

Free to Current Members of the Environmental Forum of Marin.