Maine Legislature Launches Ocean Acidification Commission To Study Shellfish Impacts
A new state commission this summer is gearing up to study ocean acidification and its impact on shellfish. The commission the first of its kind on the East Coast was created this year by the Maine Legislature. The 16-member panel was announced Friday at a news conference on the Portland waterfront that included U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree and state Sen. Chris Johnson, D-Somerville.
Pingree, who last month introduced a bill that would require federal officials to study the effects of ocean acidification on coastal communities around the country, said scientists dont fully understand how acidification would affect the lobster fishery. We know whats causing ocean acidification but now we need to better understand how hard it is going to hit coastal economies, she said.
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Washington is the only other state to create a similar commission.
The Maine panel includes five legislators, three state officials and eight members of the public. The commission is scheduled to meet a minimum of four times and must complete its work by Dec. 5.
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http://www.pressherald.com/2014/06/27/maine-to-study-impact-of-ocean-acidification-on-shellfish/