The Northeast Coastal Acidification Network (NECAN) is planning an 'Ocean and Coastal Acidification Stakeholder Workshop' for December 10, 2014 at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole, Maine. As a member of NECAN, NCCOS is playing a major role in the development and facilitation of the upcoming workshop. The purpose of the meeting is to inform and learn from fishermen, clam harvesters, aquaculturists, and coastal water quality volunteer programs their concerns and state of knowledge about coastal acidification (OA).

NECAN links scientists, federal and state agencies, resource managers, and affected industry partners to coordinate regional ocean acidification research. (Credit NECAN)

The workshop is designed for participants to:

• Gain a basic understanding of ocean and coastal acidification science, the impacts to marine resources and ecosystems;
• Better understand the capacity at the national, regional and local levels for research and monitoring;
• Discuss potential for best practices leading to adaptation/mitigation; and
• Understand where to find reliable OA resources.

This is the first in a series of state workshops planned by NECAN to inform their implementation plan for monitoring, research and information products that meet the needs of regional stakeholders. Subsequent workshops will occur in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maritime Canada, and the New York Bight area. Support for the workshops is provided by the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program, the NOAA North Atlantic Regional Team, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information, contact Beth Turner or see the NECAN website.