Highlighted Articles
Underwater Meadows of California Found to Reverse Symptoms of Climate Change
"Scientist already knew that eelgrass absorbs carbon dioxide and therefore reduces acidity in the water, but there was skepticism that the effects were long-lasting. ‘To be able to show that it’s not a matter of hours but weeks is really exciting’, Ward said. - San Francisco Chronicle |
California shellfish farmers adapt to climate change
“It's sort of a story of multiple stressors; you can imagine a time when the water is particularly warm or there's a rainfall event, and ultimately you may reach a tipping point that the shellfish in the water just can't remain resilient to” - Science Daily & Eureka Alert |
Can local eelgrass help fight global ocean acidification? Newport Bay research may help provide answers
"Eelgrass growing in Newport Beach waters may help prove its importance in maintaining healthy water chemistry by keeping acidity down and making the water more hospitable to ecologically and economically valuable organisms..." - Los Angeles Times
Science in the News
'Can eelgrass save our oysters from ocean acidification?' - KPCC Radio
Listen here: "Ward and fellow researchers are studying to what degree restored eelgrass beds can counter the effects of ocean acidification on commercial oyster farms..."
'Eelgrass Study Shows Location Matters More Than Method in Restoration' - Pew
"New research could influence conservation of marine plant that supports wildlife and protects coastline"
'Marine Science Day offers peek into SDSU research' - San Diego Union Tribune
“El Niño is like the perfect natural experiment,” said Melissa Ward, a doctoral student at the university...'
'West Marin wetlands project hits 10-year mark' - Marin Independent Journal
"Maintaining some base level of water quality enough to have a system that can support seagrasses is important because once you lose them it’s difficult to get them back, and we’ve seen that reflected in restoration across the state," Ward said.
'Ocean Acidification on the Oregon Coast' - Coast Range Radio
“The public's perception of aquaculture needs to zoom out to understand the global footprint of the seafood that we are eating if we want to make an informed decision about whether or not aquaculture on our coastline is good or bad.”
'Study the Seagrass' - Landscape Architecture Magazine
“There are immediate and long-term carbon benefits from eelgrass,” says Melissa Ward...
'Can eelgrass save our oysters from ocean acidification?' - KPCC Radio
Listen here: "Ward and fellow researchers are studying to what degree restored eelgrass beds can counter the effects of ocean acidification on commercial oyster farms..."
'Eelgrass Study Shows Location Matters More Than Method in Restoration' - Pew
"New research could influence conservation of marine plant that supports wildlife and protects coastline"
'Marine Science Day offers peek into SDSU research' - San Diego Union Tribune
“El Niño is like the perfect natural experiment,” said Melissa Ward, a doctoral student at the university...'
'West Marin wetlands project hits 10-year mark' - Marin Independent Journal
"Maintaining some base level of water quality enough to have a system that can support seagrasses is important because once you lose them it’s difficult to get them back, and we’ve seen that reflected in restoration across the state," Ward said.
'Ocean Acidification on the Oregon Coast' - Coast Range Radio
“The public's perception of aquaculture needs to zoom out to understand the global footprint of the seafood that we are eating if we want to make an informed decision about whether or not aquaculture on our coastline is good or bad.”
'Study the Seagrass' - Landscape Architecture Magazine
“There are immediate and long-term carbon benefits from eelgrass,” says Melissa Ward...
Researchers in Newport optimistic that eelgrass can reduce carbon and acidity in seawater - Los Angeles Times, Daily Pilot
"Eelgrass’s other benefits — including oxygen production, sediment stabilization and serving as a habitat and nursery for fish and invertebrates — are well-established. Now scientists want to know whether
eelgrass can provide carbon services."
Blogs and other Media
Opinion: California’s climate-change fight should leverage blue carbon, - East Bay Times, 2022
"While California can lead on technological solutions, we should also immediately adopt low-cost and
environmentally beneficial nature-based solutions."
Changes in Latitudes: A Sail Across the Pacific, - Latitude 38 Magazine, 2022
Blog: West Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise, - Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Blog, 2016
"Eelgrass’s other benefits — including oxygen production, sediment stabilization and serving as a habitat and nursery for fish and invertebrates — are well-established. Now scientists want to know whether
eelgrass can provide carbon services."
Blogs and other Media
Opinion: California’s climate-change fight should leverage blue carbon, - East Bay Times, 2022
"While California can lead on technological solutions, we should also immediately adopt low-cost and
environmentally beneficial nature-based solutions."
Changes in Latitudes: A Sail Across the Pacific, - Latitude 38 Magazine, 2022
Blog: West Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise, - Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Blog, 2016