Join us as Phil Colarusso, marine biologist and diver for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), returns to provide an update following his February 2020 presentation. Dr. Colarusso is a recognized expert in "blue carbon"—coastal habitats such as seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangroves that play a critical role in capturing and storing carbon while enhancing coastal resilience.

Our local coastal ecosystem, including vital seagrass and salt marsh areas, plays an essential role in promoting resilience and mitigating environmental challenges. In 2023, Dr. Colarusso completed a comprehensive blue carbon baseline report covering salt marsh and eelgrass carbon from Maine to New York. He has co-authored several papers on carbon accumulation in seagrass meadows and is currently leading research on error analysis in blue carbon accounting. This presentation will provide valuable insights into how salt marshes and seagrasses contribute to the long-term health and resilience of coastal ecosystems.

With over 35 years of experience at EPA Region 1, Dr. Colarusso has dedicated much of his career to seagrass conservation, water quality, and fisheries research. His work includes fish population studies in eelgrass habitats, restoration projects employing diverse techniques, and mapping eelgrass through satellite imagery, diver surveys, and acoustic methods. Recently, his research has focused on how eelgrass meadows enhance coastal resilience by capturing and storing carbon. From 2012 to 2016, Dr. Colarusso served as one of six U.S. representatives on the Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s Blue Carbon steering committee. He is also the founder and host of "Zosterapalooza," an annual seagrass conference now in its 33rd year.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the nation’s leading experts on coastal resilience and the critical role of coastal ecosystems in supporting our environment.

This talk will be held at the Newburyport Community/Senior Center, 331 High Street, Newburyport. Doors will open at 6:30 PM for light refreshments and socializing, and the presentation will begin at 7 PM.