2017 Estuary Research Workshop
   Limiting Factors Beyond Nitrogen

September 13, 2017

WHERE:
Narragansett, Rhode Island 
The Coastal Institute at URI

The 2017 Estuary Research Workshop will focus on nutrients (emphasis on phosphorus) that are potentially limiting in, and detrimental to, the Northeast’s estuaries.

Nitrogen (N) is the primary limiting nutrient in most estuaries and excess N loading often results in eutrophication and poor water quality. Eutrophication degrades water quality resulting in hypoxia, harmful algal blooms, loss of seagrass, and other impacts. There is also evidence for phosphorus (P) limitation in some estuaries, particularly in mid salinity regions during high-flow periods. Narragansett and Chesapeake Bays are two East Coast estuaries with demonstrated seasonal P limitation. While there is an active debate in the scientific literature over the relative importance of N versus P in controlling eutrophication, particularly in freshwater, both the EPA and the European Union encourage consideration of both.

Workshop participants will include researchers, administrators, and advocates who conduct or oversee estuary research and monitoring.

NEIWPCC seeks abstracts for 15–20 minute presentations. Individuals interested in speaking should submit an abstract online by May 31, 2017. Encouraged submission topics include:

• N/P ratios
• Sediment P fluxes
• Different forms of P
• Needs and methods for the reduction of P loading to estuaries
• Other limiting factors such as silica and metals

NEIWPCC also seeks poster abstracts for a lunch-time poster session. Posters may relate to any aspect of estuary health or nutrient limitation in any type of water body. Graduate students are encouraged to submit short descriptions of poster topics online by August 31, 2017.

Learn more in the Call for Abstracts.

NEIWPCC contact: Anna Meyer (978) 349-2519

Learn more >>