Wildlife Education Series
Understanding Our Changing Oceans: Innovations in Marine Science at UMass Dartmouth
Steven Lohrenz, PhD, Dean and Professor - School for Marine Science & Technology, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (SMAST)
Ocean environments are undergoing accelerating rates of change from both natural and human-related drivers. Climatic change is a major factor in rising sea levels, altered distributional patterns of marine life, and changing ocean chemistry. This is coupled with increasing development and population densities in coastal regions. Understanding current ocean conditions and anticipating future trends are key to improving society’s ability to both mitigate changes and manage and adapt to their impacts. UMass Dartmouth has expanded its commitment to advancing marine science initiatives with the addition of a $55M facility in New Bedford’s South End. This presentation will highlight the work of faculty at the School for Marine Science and Technology in advancing ocean observing and modeling capabilities, novel approaches to monitoring fisheries resources, and improving the health and quality of our coastal environments.
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