Thursday, May 30, 2013

More on Oysters and Their Ability to Offset Ocean Acidity

This is an excerpt from a piece in the New York Times Science Section.



oysters offset ocean acidity
Different species of oyster  Phroto Credit Tony Cenicola/The New York Times



By studying oyster populations in relation to acidity levels, a team of researchers has concluded that oysters — particularly their shells — can play a significant role in reducing that acidity.

“Oyster shells are made out of calcium carbonate, so they’re sort of like an antacid pill,” said George Waldbusser, an assistant professor of earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences at Oregon State and an author of the study, which appears in the journal Ecology. “In an undisturbed oyster reef, healthy oysters are generating a lot of biodeposits,” a genteel term for excrement, “which helps generate CO2 to help break down those shells, which helps to regenerate the alkalinity back into the environment.”

Since the Industrial Revolution, ocean acidity has increased by about 30 percent, researchers say, and it is on track to double by 2100. Among the dangers of highly acidic waters are damage to fish larvae and corrosion of mollusk shells, which means the oysters in this case are helping themselves. “It creates a positive feedback loop,” Dr. Waldbusser said.

Here is the abstract from the study.

Disease, overharvesting, and pollution have impaired the role of bivalves on coastal ecosystems, some to the point of functional extinction. An underappreciated function of many bivalves in these systems is shell formation. The ecological significance of bivalve shell has been recognized; geochemical effects are now more clearly being understood. A positive feedback exists between shell aggregations and healthy bivalve populations in temperate estuaries, thus linking population dynamics to shell budgets and alkalinity cycling. On oyster reefs a balanced shell budget requires healthy long-lived bivalves to maximize shell input per mortality event thereby countering shell loss. Active and dense populations of filter-feeding bivalves couple production of organic-rich waste with precipitation of calcium carbonate minerals, creating conditions favorable for alkalinity regeneration. Although the dynamics of these processes are not well described, the balance between shell burial and metabolic acid production seems the key to the extent of alkalinity production vs. carbon burial as shell. We present an estimated alkalinity budget that highlights the significant role oyster reefs once played in the Chesapeake Bay inorganic-carbon cycle. Sustainable coastal and estuarine bivalve populations require a comprehensive understanding of shell budgets and feedbacks among population dynamics, agents of shell destruction, and anthropogenic impacts on coastal carbonate chemistry.



Read More: http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/12-1179.1?af=R&&&
Disease, overharvesting, and pollution have impaired the role of bivalves on coastal ecosystems, some to the point of functional extinction. An underappreciated function of many bivalves in these systems is shell formation. The ecological significance of bivalve shell has been recognized; geochemical effects are now more clearly being understood. A positive feedback exists between shell aggregations and healthy bivalve populations in temperate estuaries, thus linking population dynamics to shell budgets and alkalinity cycling. On oyster reefs a balanced shell budget requires healthy long-lived bivalves to maximize shell input per mortality event thereby countering shell loss. Active and dense populations of filter-feeding bivalves couple production of organic-rich waste with precipitation of calcium carbonate minerals, creating conditions favorable for alkalinity regeneration. Although the dynamics of these processes are not well described, the balance between shell burial and metabolic acid production seems the key to the extent of alkalinity production vs. carbon burial as shell. We present an estimated alkalinity budget that highlights the significant role oyster reefs once played in the Chesapeake Bay inorganic-carbon cycle. Sustainable coastal and estuarine bivalve populations require a comprehensive understanding of shell budgets and feedbacks among population dynamics, agents of shell destruction, and anthropogenic impacts on coastal carbonate chemistry.



Read More: http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/12-1179.1?af=R&&&
Disease, overharvesting, and pollution have impaired the role of bivalves on coastal ecosystems, some to the point of functional extinction. An underappreciated function of many bivalves in these systems is shell formation. The ecological significance of bivalve shell has been recognized; geochemical effects are now more clearly being understood. A positive feedback exists between shell aggregations and healthy bivalve populations in temperate estuaries, thus linking population dynamics to shell budgets and alkalinity cycling. On oyster reefs a balanced shell budget requires healthy long-lived bivalves to maximize shell input per mortality event thereby countering shell loss. Active and dense populations of filter-feeding bivalves couple production of organic-rich waste with precipitation of calcium carbonate minerals, creating conditions favorable for alkalinity regeneration. Although the dynamics of these processes are not well described, the balance between shell burial and metabolic acid production seems the key to the extent of alkalinity production vs. carbon burial as shell. We present an estimated alkalinity budget that highlights the significant role oyster reefs once played in the Chesapeake Bay inorganic-carbon cycle. Sustainable coastal and estuarine bivalve populations require a comprehensive understanding of shell budgets and feedbacks among population dynamics, agents of shell destruction, and anthropogenic impacts on coastal carbonate chemistry.



Read More: http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/12-1179.1?af=R&&&
Disease, overharvesting, and pollution have impaired the role of bivalves on coastal ecosystems, some to the point of functional extinction. An underappreciated function of many bivalves in these systems is shell formation. The ecological significance of bivalve shell has been recognized; geochemical effects are now more clearly being understood. A positive feedback exists between shell aggregations and healthy bivalve populations in temperate estuaries, thus linking population dynamics to shell budgets and alkalinity cycling. On oyster reefs a balanced shell budget requires healthy long-lived bivalves to maximize shell input per mortality event thereby countering shell loss. Active and dense populations of filter-feeding bivalves couple production of organic-rich waste with precipitation of calcium carbonate minerals, creating conditions favorable for alkalinity regeneration. Although the dynamics of these processes are not well described, the balance between shell burial and metabolic acid production seems the key to the extent of alkalinity production vs. carbon burial as shell. We present an estimated alkalinity budget that highlights the significant role oyster reefs once played in the Chesapeake Bay inorganic-carbon cycle. Sustainable coastal and estuarine bivalve populations require a comprehensive understanding of shell budgets and feedbacks among population dynamics, agents of shell destruction, and anthropogenic impacts on coastal carbonate chemistry.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Massachusetts Oyster Industry Has Banner Year- 2013 Has a New Challenge

0ne of our Director's captured the following information at a meeting to discuss oyster regulations. 2012 was indeed a very good year for the Massachusetts oyster industry. Over 22 million oysters were harvested, which is an increase of almost 31% over the previous year.

oysters Massachusetts industry statistics
Massachusetts Oyster Harvest 
 This unit volume increase translated into dollars in people's pockets as the dollars to growers grew 60% to $11.6 million. This is good news for the growers and the other people who support the industry such as those that supply grow out equipment or wholesale the product.


Statistics oysters Massachusetts Oyster Harvest  2012
Massachusetts Oyster Harvest Revenues
 The picture is not all roses. The FDA has added additional requirements on the industry regarding the cooling and storage of oysters that will make operations more challenging and costly in 2013. The regulations are in place to prevent Vibrio vulnificus from harming those who eat raw oysters.  Vibrio is a bacteria that commonly exists in warm estuarine waters. Its presence can harm the health of people who are immunocompromised or at risk for infection.  The Commonwealth's record regarding oyster food safety is pretty good and with this additional regulation it is likely to stay that way

Friday, May 17, 2013

Ocean Acidification and Oyster Shells Ability to Offset

We have had a great question about how exactly does oyster shell offset ocean acidification. This set us off on a search for a clear, concise answer that does not require the reading of academic journals or a doctorate in the field of chemistry.

First a bit on ocean acidification.  Here is a diagram we found on the Mystic Aquarium's website who has an excellent discussion of the topic.





Briefly here how it works.

More Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the air means more Carbon Dioxide dissolves in the water.

  • In the water the a CO2 molecule reacts with a water molecule (H2O) to make a bicarbonate (HCO3) molecule and a free floating H molecule. 
  • The free flowing H molecules are positively charged and what makes acid. The more of them there are, the greater the acidity. 

It sounds confusing, but as the acidity gets higher, the pH gets lower.



 Now here is how the calcium carbonate comes in. There is a helpful discussion of acid neutralization in Wikipedia.

Here is how the Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) comes in.
  • Calcium Carbonate molecules  can break down into a Carbonate CO3 molecule and a Calcium Ca molecule.
  • The negatively charged CO3 molecules can soak up more of the free positively charged H molecules. And with a lower concentration of  H molecules the acidity drops, raising the pH.
It should be noted that the neutralization affects are dependent.on relative concentrations.

Does, this explanation helps shed light on the topic? Let us know.




Friday, May 10, 2013

Cool Massachusetts Beach Application for Summer Swim Guide

Our friends at Mass Baykeepers have begun hosting an application for information on Mass Bay beaches. What the application does is provide water quality information on the various beaches so that the user can know if a beach is open and what the water quality status is. 


You can download it from the app store on itunes, google play, or at swimguide.org.  
 



While it is useful to beach-goers, there are other elements to it as well.  The app is eyeopening as through it one can see the abundance of beaches, the number lost due to water quality in beach postings as well as the opportunity that lies before us.

Here are a list of its functions- 
  • Find your closest beach using list, map, or search tools
  • Discover a wide variety of beaches, ranging from city parks to remote lakes ideal for camping
  • Identify at a glance which beaches are clean for swimming (Green) and which have water quality problems (Red) in real-time
  • Get walking, driving, or transit directions to the beach of your choice
  • Bookmark beaches for easy access
  • Invite your friends to join you at the beach using Facebook, Twitter, email and SMS text messaging
  • Report pollution or environmental concerns
  • The Swim Guide gives you original descriptions with photographs of over 1,500 different beaches so you can learn a bit of history and geography as you explore!
 

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Biomimicry Tour of Boston Harbor May 30



The Biomimicry New England Group is sponsoring this environmental themed tour of Boston Harbor.


indians consumed oysters on Spectacle Island Boston
Spectacle Island Boston Harbor with Boston in background


Boston Harbor Tour, 30 May, Thursday 1 - 4:00pm, from UMass Boston

The tour will include a presentation and discussion with Anamarija Frankic, Director Green Harbors Project and Professor UMass Boston, about the Green Harbors Project and Biomimicry LivingLabs. The boat will pass Spectacle Island, one of 34 Boston Harbor Islands to learn about the islands self-sustainability, and explore the area where the Charles, Neponset and Mystic rivers meet. The tour will take us near Deer Island with the second largest waste water treatment plant in the world that has improved the conditions of the once dirtiest harbor in the US. But there is more work to be done, one of the key questions in the Green Harbors Project is what would nature do to improve conditions in urban harbors. The tour will end on the shore of Savin Hill Cove, the proposed site for the first Biomimicry LivingLab, with a discussion about this unique opportunity to showcase solutions.   Tour Fee: $25 

Space is limited. Registration will be based on the earliest received. Location, and payment details will be provided with confirmation.  To register email: admin@cdf.org  Subject: BNE Events 


Biomimicry is an innovation method that seeks sustainable solutions by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies, e.g., a solar cell inspired by a leaf. The goal is to create products, processes, and policies—new ways of living—that are well-adapted to life on earth over the long haul. Read “A Biomimicry Primer” by Janine Benyus.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Oyster Reef Habitat Helps Fisheries Grow Oyster Shell Recycling at B&G Oyster Invitation is Fun and Productive

Estuary Habitat is Key to Growing Fisheries- Oysters Improve that Habitat

One of the benefits of restoring oysters is that we are creating habitat for over 100 other species. Those small creatures provide food for larger species. This fact was recently highlighted in a recent report released by Restore America's Estuaries (RAE) and the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). It was co-authored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - More Habitat Means More Fish - and makes a powerful case that investing in our nation's coastlines and estuaries leads to healthy habitat and strong fisheries, which has a positive impact on the businesses and industries, both recreational and commercial, that need healthy fisheries  to survive and thrive)


Among the findings are:
  • Over 75 percent of our nation's commercial fish catch and 80-90 percent of the recreational fish catch depend on key estuary habitat at some point in their lifecycle.
  • Fish populations can respond quickly to habitat improvement and the impact will last over an extended period of time. Rebounds in fish populations can occur within months and persist for years.
  • In San Francisco Bay, restored salt marshes have improved 41 fish species including steelhead trout, Pacific herring, green sturgeon and Chinook salmon.
  • Since 2000, in Massachusetts and New York, herring, shad and sturgeon have doubled and tripled in population due to habitat restoration projects. Just two years after a single culvert was repaired connecting Bride Brook to Long Island Sound, the herring population more than tripled from 75,000 to 287,000.
  • An oyster reef restoration project in Alabama increased populations of several economically-important species, including blue crab, red drum, spotted seatrout, and flounder.
"Investing in coastal and estuarine habitat restoration is essential not only for the long-term future of our fisheries but also because it helps support economies and communities through the recreational and commercial fishing industries," said Jeff Benoit, President and CEO of Restore America's Estuaries. "In order to have fish, we have to have healthy habitat. If we want more fish, we need more healthy habitat."

American Sportfishing Association President and CEO Mike Nussman noted, "As an industry, we are keenly aware of the impact that sportfishing has on our nation's habitat restoration efforts. In many ways, America's anglers are the nation's most powerful force for conserving our nation's fisheries and waters, investing more than $1 billion dollars each year in fisheries management and conservation through taxes on fishing equipment and state fishing license sales." Here at Mass Oyster, we hope that this will serve as a catalyst for the fishing community to lock arms with the oyster restoration groups. Together we can move mountains.  


Oyster Shell Recycling at B&G Oyster Invitational Goes Well

The Oyster invitational at B&G Oysters was terrific from many perspectives. Like the four previous events, it was a terrific with excellent food, tasty beverages and wonderful people. Mass Oyster manned a booth and collected shell for recycling. From a recycling perspective it was our best year ever with the highest yield and the lowest bycatch. With better collection methods organized by Barbara Lynch's crack team we exceeded our hauling capability and will need to rethink our logistics for next year. 

We have a special shout out to manager Jennifer Pieters who worked hard and was particularly helpful. Below are some of our volunteers.


oyster tattoo
Volunteer Rachel Hoch modeled her Mass Oyster tattoo.



newly engaged oyster volunteers
The newly engaged volunteer duo of  Max foster and Lesley Spencer also provided important assistance.

Naked Cowboy  Blue Island Oysters
The Blue Island Oyster Company who produces the "Naked Cowboy" Oysters brought there namesake up from Times Square. He was quite popular for photos and most congenial.
Load of shell for recycling.
Volunteers Katharine Andrews and Greg toast a successful day with a truckload of shell for recycling.



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