Tayler Tharaldson earned a master’s in biological sciences from Humboldt State University in May 2018. During this time, she studied the mitigation effects of two species of surfgrass (Phyllospadix spp.) on seawater chemistry for surrounding tidepool communities, in relation to ocean acidification. She also took part in the implementation of a long-term monitoring plan of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and associated communities in Humboldt Bay, and contributed to the understanding of how seawater chemistry varies in areas of the Bay with and without eelgrass for oyster aquaculture farms.
At California Sea Grant, Tharaldson’s role as a science communicator was to inform policy makers and managers of current scientific findings that are applicable to coastal and marine systems in California. Her work consisted of filling a science communication niche to better address environmental impacts and issues occurring within the Tijuana River Valley.
