PTMSC presents “Ocean Acidification: The Other CO2 Problem”
For Immediate Release — April 16, 2008
Contact: Christina Pivarnik, Marketing
Port Townsend Marine Science Center
360.531.0127 or christina@pivarnik.com or info@ptmsc.org
On Saturday, April 26th at 4 p.m. in the Fort Worden Commons, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTSMC) will offer “Ocean Acidification: The Other CO2 Problem,” by Dr. Richard A. Feely.
Recent studies have shown that the increased concentrations of CO2 in the oceans are already causing significant changes. Since the beginning of the industrial era, they have absorbed about 85% of the heat and 30% of the carbon released by human activities. As a result, oceans are becoming more acidic, potentially affecting all shelled creatures from the tiniest plankton at the base of the oceanic food web.
“We feel very honored to have Dr. Feely with us to discuss the present and future implications of increased CO2 levels on the health of our ocean ecosystems and related ocean-based economies,” said Anne Murphy, Executive Director for the PTMSC.
Dr. Richard A. Feely is a Supervisory Oceanographer at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory as well as Professor at the University of Washington School of Oceanography. Dr. Feely first reported his concerns about ocean acidification 20 years ago but the issue was not recognized until 2004 when he and a colleague published an analysis of about 10,000 measurements of oceanic carbon concentrations taken from 95 research cruises worldwide. He was awarded the Department of Commerce Gold Award in 2006 for his pioneering research and in 2007 was elected to be a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union.
Admission is $7 for adults or $5 for PTMSC members. For more information, contact the PTMSC at www.ptmsc.org, by calling 385.5582 or via e-mail at info@ptmsc.org.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is devoted to understanding, preserving and teaching about our marine and shoreline environment as guardians for a sustainable future. Located on the beach at Fort Worden State Park, the PTMSC offers two public exhibits: the Marine Exhibit (ME) features large touch pools and aquaria, and the Natural History Exhibit (NHE) highlights the rich zone where land meets sea. Both exhibits are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth and free to PTMSC members. The PTMSC also offers a wide variety of educational programs and special events. For more information, call 360.385.5582, e-mail info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org.