UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA MEDIA ADVISORY

Feb. 6, 2018

Members of the media are invited to an international workshop led by Ocean Networks Canada, an initiative of the University of Victoria, where scientists will discuss the importance of obtaining accurate and reliable data from ocean-observing systems for ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification occurs when atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, making seawater more acidic. A more acidic ocean has a detrimental impact on marine animals that form calcium carbonate shells, like juvenile oysters, clams and mussels. In a more acidic ocean, shell growth can be stunted and survival rates decreased.

It is important that data collected from autonomous sensors be reliable as it increases the affordability of comprehensive ocean observing systems, allowing scientists to measure ocean acidification over time in diverse areas and to capture episodic or unexpected events. The workshop focuses on the development and calibration of sensors and methods for obtaining accurate and reliable from ocean-observing systems.

The workshop is led by ONC science theme leader Jim Christian, research scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis, and an adjunct faculty member at UVic. Workshop participants include researchers from Canada, the US, Japan, the UK and Germany.

What: ONC’s international ocean acidification workshop
When: Wednesday, Feb. 7. There will be an opportunity between 8:30-10:15 a.m. for media to interview Christian and other scientists.
Where: Rogers Suite, Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal St., Victoria

Media contacts:
Greig Bethel (Ocean Networks Canada media relations) at 250-216-7510 or gbethel@uvic.ca

Follow us on Twitter: @uvicnews @ocean_networks

UVic media relations & services: www.uvic.ca/communicationsmarketing/media