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Oysters to the Rescue

Excess nitrogen and other nutrients in coastal waters on Cape Cod can lead to algal blooms that deplete oxygen and disturb natural ecosystems. Hauke Kite-Powell is a WHOI Marine Policy Center research specialist collaborating with colleagues to study the potential for oysters to filter excess nutrients. Kite-Powell is also helping organize the sixth annual International Oyster Symposium on Cape Cod this fall, which will bring researchers, industry, policy and business leaders, and the creative community together to discuss the role of oysters in water quality, bio-diversity, coastal protection, production and safety, and seafood production and safety. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)