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Innovation

A Network of Citizen Scientists Measuring Coastal Acidification in Estuaries

The acidification of coastal areas is a priority for New England states. Four states in the area have established commissions or legislation to increase investment in research, monitoring, and mitigation strategies. Measurements of pH and the total alkalinity (the ability of seawater to buffer against acidification) can help coastal water managers measure water health and protect shellfish species. This project will lend pH sensors to five organizations and build capacity at the New England Regional Laboratory (NERL) to measure total alkalinity in seawater samples. These citizen science groups will then be able to routinely measure pH and send samples to the laboratory for analysis, providing valuable insight for management decisions.

Contacts: Matthew Liebman; Dan Boudreau; Jason Grear; Amanda Santoni