Seminar: Dr. Michael Piehler – UNC CH

UNC-CH’s Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences is proud to host a guest seminar by Dr. Michael Piehler. This event is scheduled for Friday, January 28th, at 12:30 pm. This seminar is online only; broadcast via Zoom (Meeting ID: 946 8266 2098, PW: EMES22).

Title: Evaluating oysters as nature-based water quality solutions 

Abstract: Nature Based Solutions are a class of management approaches that apply natural features to meet socio environmental challenges.  As NBS expands in application to issues around hazard management, water and air quality, human health and well-being, and loss of ecosystem function it is critical that robust assessments underpin the understanding of the natural features being applied as solutions.  Oysters are a prominent NBS tool and have been used extensively with expectations for increases in shoreline protection and water quality enhancement.  This seminar is an overview and synthesis of our group’s ecological and biogeochemical research on natural and restored oyster reefs, living shorelines, and oyster culture.  Our work informs sound design and reasonable performance expectations for NBS targeting water quality enhancement.