Life Cycle of an Oyster and How Coastal Acidification Affects This Important Reef Builder

Storm Surge is pleased to present its next Speaker Series event: “Life Cycle of an Oyster and How Coastal Acidification Affects This Important Reef Builder” featuring the director and a marine conservation scientist from the Massachusetts Oyster Project. This free public event will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at the Newburyport Senior/Community Center. Why Attend? Did you know oysters filter up to 50 gallons of water daily, removing pollutants and improving water quality? Or that their shells, when recycled, provide essential habitats for young oysters, promoting reef growth and marine biodiversity? At this event, you’ll learn from two leading experts: - Liv Woods, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Oyster Project, will spotlight how oyster cultivation and shell recycling programs improve water quality and biodiversity while creating resilient coastal ecosystems. - Dr. John A. Cigliano, a board member of the Massachusetts Oyster Project and a marine conservation scientist, will explain the science of ocean acidification and its effects on the Gulf of Maine, emphasizing the critical role oysters play as nature’s reef builders. Together, Ms. Woods and Dr. Cigliano will offer a comprehensive look at how oysters are helping to fight coastal acidification and prepare us for future climate challenges. Why Oysters Matter to Newburyport From local raw bars to global sustainability efforts, oysters are more than just a delicacy—they’re key players in coastal resilience. Efforts like shell recycling have not only supported marine biodiversity but have also inspired innovative practices that connect sustainability with style, as seen in local businesses. This engaging evening will uncover the fascinating life cycle of oysters and explore how these remarkable shellfish are helping us fight coastal acidification, stem coastal erosion, and prepare for climate challenges. Join us for an evening of discovery, inspiration, and community connection. Learn how you can support oyster restoration efforts and make a tangible impact on our shared coastal future. Event Details: Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM for light refreshments. Presentation begins at 7:00 PM, followed by a Q&A session. Location: Newburyport Senior/Community Center, 331 High Street, Newburyport, MA Broadcast: Watch live on NCM-HUB Channel 9 or watch it later on their youtube channel or storm-surge.org Registration: Sign up to attend at storm-surge.org. Storm Surge is a non-profit community organization based in Newburyport, MA. The group was founded in 2013 as the threat to our coastline from sea-level rise was starting to become a recurring problem for our community. To address the coastal issues of climate change, we promote science-based outreach and education to encourage local municipalities to prepare for the impacts of sea level rise and other climate change impacts. www.storm-surge.org