Becky received her B.S. degree in Global Environmental Sciences from the School of Ocean, Earth, Science and Technology (SOEST) at the University for Hawai’i (2009). She conducted her undergraduate research on the island of Maui to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of Blue-spotted groupers (Cephalopholis argus) containing ciguatoxin, macroalgae hosting dinoflagellates, and the associated human health implications for near-shore fishing communities.
Becky joined the Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry Lab working with Dr. George Waldbusser in Fall 2011 to pursue her interests in advancing collaborative partnerships between coastal stakeholders and scientists. Her thesis work involves developing and conducting an online survey with the West Coast shellfish industry to understand their perspectives and experiences regarding ocean acidification. Additionally, she is developing a user-friendly website with interactive management tools, including a biological stress index, that can provide commercial and educational utility. Becky also has designed and conducted experiments to investigate the impacts of pCO2 frequency, duration, and intensity on Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) larvae viability. Additionally, she is an Oregon Sea Grant Scholar. Stationed at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport OR, Becky enjoys surfing, sailing, and rock hounding… after work of course.
Look for Becky and her lab-mates in this Oregon Sea Grant publication.
Want to know more about Becky’s research? Below is a recent abstract of her master’s research:
EXPLORING PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE U.S. WEST COAST SHELLFISH INUDSTRY DEALING WITH OCEAN ACIDIFICATION
Rebecca A. MABARDY*, G.G. WALDBUSSER, F. CONWAY. College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
Nearshore and estuarine environments along the U.S West Coast have been identified as “hotspots” experiencing accelerated impacts from ocean acidification (OA). Water with poor carbonate chemistry has been correlated with production losses of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) larvae at hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest. Limited and unreliable supply of larval seed has implications for the economic well-being of commercial growers. However, little is known about how the shellfish industry perceives OA related obstacles and envisions adaptation.
We conducted a 44-question, online survey of shellfish hatcheries and growers across Washington, Oregon, and California to better understand stakeholder perspectives and experiences, and to assist in tackling this information deficit. Eighty-six stakeholders participated (45.5% response rate) from the oyster, clam, mussel, geoduck, and abalone industries. Participants reported their understanding of OA drivers, experience from OA impacts, level of concern, and adaptation strategies. Respondents indicated which environmental measurements and information sources inform their business practices, the usefulness of University-based research, and their willingness to share monitoring data.
Participants identified the shellfish industry as the entity with highest priority for addressing OA, followed closely by science. 52.0% of respondents indicated they have personally experienced negative impacts from OA, and 63.6% feel the shellfish industry is definitely or somewhat able to adapt. 74.6% percent of participants think University-based research is usually or extremely useful, and 68.7% reported they are very willing to share data with scientists. This research has implications for advancing mutually beneficial relationships between science and industry when addressing the multifaceted problem of OA.
