CLF Scoop: Study Commission Nears Final Recommendations to Counter Ocean Acidification

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Study Commission Nears Final Recommendations to Counter Ocean Acidification Posted: 11 Dec 2014 12:55 PM PST Richard Nelson, Lobsterman in Friendship, Maine The sixteen member commission empowered by the Maine legislature to conduct a brief, six month investigation into the effects of coastal and ocean acidification on fish and shellfish commercially harvested in Maine nears the end of its term and recommends further study and other measures to immediately begin to address the impacts of ocean acidification. As noted in prior blogs here and here, offshore ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, gets deposited in the ocean, and mixes with water to form carbonic acid. Near shore coastal acidification occurs when runoff from storms carries nitrogen, acidic fresh water, and other pollutants to the ocean. The nitrogen and other nutrient rich pollutants cause algal blooms, which die and release carbon dioxide into the ocean. Both forms of acidification dissolve shells of larval shellfish and possibly stunt growth of lobsters and crabs by causing them to form extra hard outer shells. The study commission did an impressive job. Its members were appointed by the legislature and by the Commissioner of Maine's Department of Marine Resources. They worked with a practically non-existent budget and largely volunteered their time away from their jobs as lobstermen, shellfish harvesters, shellfish farmers, marine researchers, scientists and more. During meetings and on various subcommittees, the members generously shared their expertise and commitment to working together. The result of their efforts will be seen soon, when the Commission releases its final report. The near final draft contains a complete listing of all research regarding the effects of ocean acidification on Maine marine life and recommends actions we can take to prevent ocean acidification from destroying our commercial shellfisheries, including lobsters which account for 80% of commercial landings in Maine. The report also appends proposed new legislation that would establish a long term study commission to coordinate further research into the many areas where we lack data and further measures to combat ocean acidification. Here are some things that we all can do to protect our shellfish from ocean acidification: Reduce carbon emissions- drive less, switch from oil to cleaner heat sources, explore ways to be more energy efficient Reduce or eliminate use of lawn fertilizers or time their spread to eliminate runoff of fertilizers into coastal marine waters Do not dump pet waste or other waste down sewers Support legislation that reduces carbon emissions on a national and local level Support the proposed law to establish a more permanent ocean acidification study commission For more information about the study, read these stories from Portland Press Herold and MPBN. The post Study Commission Nears Final Recommendations to Counter Ocean Acidification appeared first on Conservation Law Foundation.