Humans have dramatically changed the biogeochemistry and ecology of coastal ecosystems. The addition of excess nitrogen and phosphorus to coastal systems through sewage discharge, fertilizer runoff, and atmospheric depositions has driven an increase in eutrophication, the formation of harmful algal blooms and dead zones, and reduced the productivity of valuable fisheries. Concurrent with enhanced coastal nutrient loading, humans have decimated shellfish populations in due to overharvest, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Today, oyster reefs – once a dominant feature along many coastlines – have been reduced by 85% of their historic range globally. As filter-feeders, dense populations of oysters can regulate the biogeochemistry and ecology of coastal ecosystems, thus efforts to restore oyster habitat and develop the oyster aquaculture industry may help to remediate the impacts of excess nitrogen and phosphorus. Recently, New York City is attempting to return 1 billion oysters to the waters surrounding the city by 2035, and oyster aquaculture is practiced on every continent except Antarctica, with total global harvest of oysters raised in aquaculture exceeding 5438 million tonnes in 2016 – an 8% increase since 2014, yet the biogeochemical and ecological impacts of these changing populations remains unclear. My research is focused on how oysters influence coastal biogeochemistry, whether they can be used to help remove excess nutrients from coastal ecosystems, and the effect of changing oyster populations on future ecology and biogeochemical sustainability in New England estuaries.

Nick is a Ph.D. student at Boston University advised by Dr. Robinson Fulweiler. He is broadly interested in ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry, and his dissertation research is focused on how changes in oyster populations due to restoration and the growth of the oyster aquaculture industry will impact the biogeochemistry and ecology of coastal waters in New England.

This annual show and tell is a great chance to catch up and see what adventures your fellow club members have been up to this year. There will be several short presentations by club members where they show highlights of a dive trip, or artifacts they found.

If you have any interesting stories, artifacts, or photos you would like to show, email Joy at programs@neadc.org