To help inform coastal Alaska residents about ocean acidification and its effects on communities, the Alaska Marine Conservation Council and Cook Inletkeeper are launching an innovative kiosk in Homer’s harbor.

The interactive, weatherproof kiosk features video testimony from experts, fishermen and local leaders as well as easy to understand science for viewers of all ages. 

It will travel around the state in coming summers. 

The launch of the new kiosk will be at noon Monday at Coal Point Trading Co. on the Homer Spit.

It will include a discussion of ocean acidification, a demonstration of the kiosk and ribbon cutting.

Speakers and special guests include Bob Shavelson of Cook Inletkeeper; Hannah Heimbuch and Dorothy Childers of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council; representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; area political leaders and fishermen.

“Ocean acidification is a global issue that experts have linked to increasing carbon emissions. Due to naturally occurring carbon influx — such as upwelling, cold water and river run off — Alaska waters are acidifying faster than nearly anywhere else on the planet,” according to a press release from the Alaska Marine Conservation Council and Cook Inletkeeper.