Associated Press: A Maine science center has received a grant of almost $900,000 for research into ways that aquaculture of kelp can be used to combat climate change.
Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences received the money from the World Wildlife Fund with support from the Bezos Earth Fund. Representatives for Bigelow said the research will focus on the role kelp can play as a “sponge” that soaks up carbon dioxide.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolves into the ocean and makes the water more acidic, which damages ecosystems, Bigelow representatives said. Aurora Martinez Ricart, a co-investigator on the project, said kelp has “great potential to reduce carbon dioxide concentration and seawater acidity with benefits for the shellfish industry and surrounding coastal areas.”
Bigelow is partnering with the Island Institute and University of New Hampshire on the project.
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From the vastness of outer space, to the depths of the ocean, and the atmosphere in between — it looks like UNH is everywhere! What a gem our university is, and what a solid partner in so many projects that will impact our planet (in positive ways!) for eons to come.