Nobel Prize winner speaks about oceans at local forum

Hazel Dell — Richard Feely, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, spoke at a forum entitled “Oceans in Trouble” at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Feely won the prize in 2007 — sharing the award with Al Gore — as a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. During his presentation, he shared how his work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration helped save the Northwest oyster industry from the effects of ocean acidification. NOAA discovered why the oyster larvae at Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery in Tillamook, Ore. were dying. Because of the discovery, the hatchery was able to make adjustments and save the larvae. The forum included a showcase of art by students at Union High School entitled “I Love Oceans.”