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2011 Autumn | Climate Change, Natural Science & Restoration

Oysters on Acid: Exploring the Damaging Impacts of Ocean Acidification on the Pacific Oyster

Student(s):

Danny Brendike

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Terri King

Partner(s):

  • Washington Sea Grant

Faculty advisor(s):

Carolyn Friedman, School of Aquatic & Fisheries Science, University of Washington

The project consisted of a literature review that looked into the impacts of anthropogenic carbon emissions in the atmosphere and its relationship to increased ocean acidification (OA). The project specifically focused on the effects of OA on Crassostrea gigas (the Pacific oyster) during its life stages, and how important this species is to the Puget Sound region as an aquaculture product and ecosystem indicator. Personal recommendations were offered about how to improve research methods in Washington State using C. gigas.