There is a growing crisis in our oceans – rates of infectious disease outbreaks are on the rise. Marine epidemics have the potential to cause a mass die-off of wildlife from the bottom to the top of the food chain, impacting ocean ecosystems health and lives on land. Fueled by sewage, unregulated aquaculture, and drifting plastic in warming seas, ocean outbreaks are sentinels of impending global environmental disaster.

Ocean Outbreak follows renowned scientist Drew Harvell and her colleagues as they investigate how four iconic marine animals – corals, abalone, salmon, and starfish – have been devastated by disease. Based on over twenty years of research, this firsthand account of the sometimes creeping, sometimes exploding impact of disease on our ocean’s biodiversity ends with a hopeful message. Through policy changes and the implementation of innovative solutions, we can reduce major outbreaks, save some ocean ecosystems, and protect our fragile environment.

• All book club meetings begin at 8:00 pm Eastern Time.
• Anyone can participate. Just read the book prior to the discussion, and on the day of the meeting dial in using our toll free number 1-866-662-7513. Then use the passcode 1170791#
• Before each meeting we’ll send out a reminder note through our email list along with series of discussion questions the meeting leader will have prepared.
• Please be aware there are a limited number of seats available for each meeting, so try to dial in just a few minutes before the official start time.
• Have questions? Contact: Bruce.Moravchik@noaa.gov