When I was a child, my family would pull me down the beach in a little red wagon, wrapped in a sleeping bag to keep me warm. Even from this young age, sand in between my toes and cool water rushing against my ankles has always been an unbeatable feeling. It was in these simple childhood moments that my love for the coast cemented itself and would only grow stronger. The magic found on the west coast is unique and something that I hope to pass onto future generations. However, changing ocean environments put that hope at risk: What will ocean memories be like in the future?
The impacts of climate change are causing the ocean to become more acidic. As humans release more carbon into the atmosphere, ocean pH levels drop and drastically change these ecosystems. Corals in Oregon’s rocky reefs, such as Cape Blanco, and shelled creatures in deep sea canyons, such as Astoria Canyon, rely on a stable pH to form their shells and structure. The foundation of a healthy ocean is at risk, and we must act soon to avoid irreparable damage.
Luckily, the ocean also offers a great tool to reduce the carbon in our atmosphere. The underwater forests on our coast, made up of eelgrass, could absorb and store enough carbon to slow the impacts of climate change. However, these below surface meadows are at risk. Eelgrass beds have seen a worldwide decline of 7% per year, and Oregon is no exception. Oregon contains around 20 major estuaries and Yaquina Bay for example has lost over 50% of eelgrass cover. In addition Coos bay which is the largest estuary in Oregon, has suffered an 80% decline in recent years. Rising water temperatures have increased the number of algal blooms and the lack of sunlight on the ocean’s surface challenge positive growth and development of eelgrass meadows. Outside of the broader climate problems, another threat to these beds is the European green crab, an invasive species in Oregon. This crab is detrimental to the health and development of these meadows because they dig into the sand and mud and damage eelgrass roots.
Despite knowing that these issues are present in Oregon, large gaps in frequency and monitoring data fail to show how severely these ecosystems are being affected and the precise rate it is happening. Improved monitoring, mapping and collaboration between agencies who manage estuaries will improve data about how their ecosystems change over time. A cohesive management plan with set conservation targets dedicated to eelgrass is crucial to understanding the best way to protect and enhance meadows.
I’ve been lucky enough to create unforgettable memories at the beach and have stories to pass on for years to come. But the magic of Oregon’s coast depends on the health of its ecosystems. Protecting eelgrass beds is not only essential for biodiversity, but also to ensure that the meadows are able to help slow the impacts of climate change. Together, we must do as much as we can to support these habitats, for the sake of the many memories that future Oregonians will make on our coasts.
Authors
Jessica Mcneill // Oceans intern
Ian Giancarlo // Former Protect Our Oceans Campaign Advocate, Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center