The Department of Estuarine and Ocean Science is hosting Trish Atwood, Associate Professor at Utah State University & Leader of the Aquatic Ecology and Global Change Lab, for a VIRTUAL seminar on April 9th! She will be speaking about her work on“Managing and Protecting Marine Carbon: A New Challenge for Marine Conservation”. This seminar will be held on Zoom from 12:30-1:30, but streaming will be available in SMAST East 101-103.

 

Abstract:

The ocean is a critical reservoir of carbon, storing vast amounts both in marine life and in seabed sediments. However, human activities—particularly certain types of fishing—pose significant threats to this carbon stock. This talk explores how fisheries, especially those involving bottom trawling and large-scale biomass extraction, contribute to the loss of marine carbon. Bottom trawling disturbs carbon-rich sediments, potentially releasing stored carbon into the water column and atmosphere. At the same time, the removal of fish biomass represents a direct extraction of organic carbon that would otherwise remain part of the marine carbon cycle. By examining the mechanisms through which fisheries impact carbon storage, this presentation highlights the urgent need to integrate carbon conservation into marine management strategies. Protecting seafloor habitats and reducing high-impact fishing practices could play a pivotal role in climate mitigation efforts, offering a powerful, nature-based solution for maintaining ocean health and planetary stability.