Evaluating septic system effects on mussel sex

Research at the Reserve Series

Evaluating septic system effects on mussel sex: how do we protect coastal species?

Wednesday, March 25 – In-person & Virtual
6:30PM – 7:30PM

In-Person: Waquoit Bay Reserve Visitor Center, 131 Waquoit Highway.  Doors open at 6:00PM, light refreshments available.

Virtual: A Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the webinar.Blue and ribbed mussels are keystone species of rocky intertidal and salt marsh ecosystems, respectively. Both species are affected by Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) coming from septic systems. Our research is focused on understanding what these effects are, and whether changes in septic system design can prevent these changes and preserve these species in coastal New England.

Speakers: Jed Goldstone, Ph.D., is a Research Specialist in Biology at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where he is a marine toxicologist. His research focuses on the evolution of proteins that defend against pollutants. He is a past Chair and current member of the Board of Health in Falmouth.

Helen Poynton, Ph.D., is a Professor of Ecotoxicology at UMass Boston in the School for the Environment.  She teaches courses focused on climate change and environmental health.  Along with her graduate students, she studies how marine and aquatic animals respond and adapt to pollution.