Pterrific Pteropods and the Terrible Tale of Ocean Acidification

$5 at the door

Pteropods are the most beautiful and fascinating snails you’ve never heard of! Commonly called “sea butterflies”, these tiny planktonic marine snails spend their entire life in the water column swimming using two “wings”. Pteropods are important for two main reasons: they are a major food source for other marine organisms, and they contribute significantly to the biological carbon pump that helps regulate our climate. Studies have indicated that pteropods may be negatively impacted by ocean acidification dissolving their shells. If pteropods disappeared, the effects would be seen throughout the food web and in the biogeochemical cycles of the ocean. This talk will highlight the bizarre and wonderful biology of the pteropod Limacina helicina, and explain how ocean acidification may be threatening them along with many other marine species.

Matt Miller is a PhD student in the University of Victoria’s School of Earth and Ocean Science. Matt’s interest in the ways humans are impacting the ocean have led him to research microplastics, and currently for his PhD dissertation, ocean acidification. Matt grew up on Vancouver Island and received a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Vancouver Island University. As Executive Director of the Surfrider Foundation University of Victoria Club, Matt engages with students and members of the public on issues such as marine plastic pollution, and organizes monthly beach cleanups in his community. He also sits on the steering committee for Ocean Wise’s Ocean Bridge program, helping passionate youth across Canada get more involved in ocean stewardship. Matt has a passion for science communication and literacy, and regularly delivers science presentations to community groups through the UVic Speaker’s Bureau on his topics of research.