NOAA Science Camp

NOAA Science Camp 2013 registration is OPEN! Register your ingoing 7th and 8th graders in a week filled with fun projects and activities that explore the mysteries of our oceans and atmosphere. Applications for our high school Junior Leadership Program are available online as well! www.wsg.washington.edu/nsc

Did you know when saltwater becomes more acidic, it harms the shell-making ability of oysters, clams, scallops and mussels? It poses a threat to other marine life and the food web. Ocean acidification is caused as the oceans accumulate carbon dioxide, primarily from the atmosphere but also from polluted runoff and other sources. The photos below show what happens to a pteropod’s shell when placed in sea water with pH and carbonate levels projected for the year 2100. The shell slowly dissolves after 45 days.

Washington is the first state to tackle ocean acidification and a special report, part of NOAA's National Shellfish Initiative, will be issued to the Governor on Tuesday. Stay tuned - we'll post details tomorrow.

Image: Courtesy of International Working Group on Ocean Acidification, http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/iwgoa/

Great scholarship opportunities for those interested in pursuing marine-related studies. Don't miss the January 15th deadline!

Know any high school students or teachers who would start an Orca Bowl Ocean Sciences competition team at their school? Orca Bowl 2013 pre-registration is open. Pass the word on! Check out http://www.wsg.washington.edu/education/events/orca/prospective.html

Prospective Teams - Orca Bowl - K-12 Events and Opportunities - Education - Washington Sea Grant Washington Sea Grant, serving people who manage, use and enjoy Washington's ocean and coasts.