NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program seeks to better prepare society to respond to changing ocean conditions and resources by expanding understanding of ocean acidification, through interdisciplinary partnerships, nationally and internationally. Ocean acidification is occurring because our ocean is absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, leading to lower pH and greater acidity. This is causing a fundamental change in the chemistry of the ocean from pole to pole.
NOAA has developed a 2020-2029 Ocean,Coastal and Great Lakes Acidification Research Plan that builds upon acidification science accomplishments made in the last decade and responds to newly emerging requirements in this field. In coordination with international, interagency, and external academic and industry research partners, the present NOAA Acidification Research Plan aims to support science that produces well-integrated and relevant research results, tools, and products for stakeholders.