Testing Mudflat Acidity levels in the Annisquam River, Gloucester MA
Danvers, MA – July 27, 2018 – On Friday, Aug 3, 2018, Danvers-based, privately held Cell Signaling Technology will join two local nonprofits, Cape Ann’s Seaside Sustainability and Salem Sound Coastwatch, to test carbon dioxide (CO2) levels that may be damaging ecosystems in the Manchester Harbor, Annisquam River, and the Essex River.
High CO2 levels, also known as mudflat acidification, pose a serious threat to shellfish living in the flats. Shellfish, including clams and mussels, fail to reach maturity when their habitat is damaged by CO2 levels, impacting the environment and local economy.
“We love our traditions here on Cape Ann and along the North Shore, especially this time of the year. But we need to be better at caring for our natural world. The environmental impact of CO2, a human-made problem, is devastating, but it does not end there, the impact hits our local businesses and workers. You can’t sell fried clams, if you don’t have clams,” said Eric Magers, Executive Director, Seaside Sustainability.
Mudflat acidification occurs alongside ocean acidification, which have both worsened as humans continue to release CO2 into our atmosphere. Much of that CO2 is absorbed by our oceans, which become more acidic as the CO2 dissolves in water forming carbonic acid (H2CO3). Mudflat acidification poses a serious threat to shellfish living in the flats. As with ocean acidification, more acidic conditions make it more difficult for certain organisms to construct their carbonate shells. If the mudflats become acidic enough, shellfish will no longer be able to live there and will be forced to search, perhaps futilely for homes elsewhere. This has already been observed in Maine and other areas in the Northeast.
“Cell Signaling Technology (CST) is proud to support Salem Sound Coastwatch and Seaside Sustainability Mudflat Acidification Testing through its environmental grants and employee volunteer programs. At CST, science is our passion, and our mission is to find answers to critical questions about disease that can raise the quality of life for everyone. We cannot ignore the important link we have with each other, our local communities, and the planet as a whole. As good corporate citizens, our goal is to promote economic growth while also maintaining the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.” said Roberto Polakiewicz, Ph.D., Cell Signaling Technology Chief Scientific Officer.
As stewards of one ocean, Salem Sound Coastwatch to the south and Seaside Sustainability, north on Ipswich Bay collaborate on numerous marine science initiatives.
“We consider Seaside Sustainability, a close partner, a sister organization. Our work goes hand-in-hand and has never been more important. Eric Magers has been a longtime friend of SSCW and I am pleased to be a member of Seaside Sustainability’s board of directors,” said Jask Nessen, SSCW, Program Coordinator.
These organizations partner frequently on Marine Science initiatives, reporting regional conditions to Massachusetts Bay EPA National Estuary Program, Coastal Zone Management, Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game, Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
Not only has Cell Signaling Technology (CST) supported Seaside Sustainability and Salem Sound Coastwatch financially through their Small Grants Program, a group of CST employees will participate in their soil mudflat acidification testing and Asian Shore crab mitigation projects through a “hands-on” volunteer day on August 3rd. Having these three entities in one boat, headed out to test mud together is symbolic of their shared missions: to make our little piece of ocean, a healthier place.
Cell Signaling Technology (CST) is a private, family-owned company, founded by scientists and dedicated to providing high quality research tools to the biomedical research community. Our employees operate worldwide from our U.S. headquarters in Massachusetts, and our offices in the Netherlands, China, and Japan.
Rebecca J. Reppucci, MBA
Cell Signaling Technology, Inc.
Director of Marketing Communications
phone: +1 978-867-2382
email: [email protected]
Salem Sound Coastwatch is a non-profit coastal watershed organization that works with government agencies, businesses, other non-profit organizations and citizens, through municipal partnering, scientific investigation, education, and stewardship.
Jack Nessen
Salem Sound Coastwatch
(978) 974-7900
email: [email protected]
Seaside Sustainability is a non-profit organization which aims to be a leader in environmental and STEM educational programs and initiatives. They are educating the greater community on the importance of conservation and sustainability utilizing hands-on, meaningful experiences. Seaside provides a wealth of knowledge to its participants and plans to expand its initiatives to other towns in the North Shore and beyond.
For further information:
Kate Christiansen
Development Manager
(978) 879-6090
email: [email protected]
Cell Signaling Technology®, CST™ are trademarks of Cell Signaling Technology, Inc.
