Talk to focus on water quality issues
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Researchers with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will discuss an innovate solution to water quality issues using a product derived from marine shells to settle out sediment.
Cheryl Hankins, a coral scientist with the EPA's Gulf Breeze Florida lab, and research fellow Danie Lasseigne will give a free talk at the Maui Ocean Center dome at 5 p.m. today.
Sediment can smother coral and prevents it from getting needed sunlight. It can also cloud the water, making it difficult for coral to photosynthesize.
A novel idea to help reduce sediment entering the ocean is to use chitosan, made from chemically treated crustacean shells, proven to function as a very effective flocculant, or substance that allows fine particles to settle.
The visiting researchers from the EPA's Office of Research and Development are conducting studies on whether chitosan is safe to use near coastal ecosystems.
Hosted by the Marine Institute and the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, the talk is free and open to the public, and there will be time for questions and answers. For more information, visit WestMauiR2R.com or contact Tova Callender at Tova@westmauir2r.com or (808) 214-4239.