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Ocean Acidification Program News

Call for Nominations: OA Advisory Board Membership

  • Carbon Dioxide Removal, Coastal Acidification, Federal Funding, OA News, ocean acidification
Aerial view of Drake's Bay
Image Credit: Brian Cluer, WCR, CCO

The Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification (IWG-OA) is seeking nominations for membership on the newly established Ocean Acidification Advisory Board (OAAB). This committee will provide independent recommendations on matters related to federal activities on ocean and coastal acidification, including understanding impacts and developing mitigation techniques for ecosystems and human communities.

Eligibility and Expertise
We welcome nominations from individuals offering a balance of scientific, industry, State and local resource managers, and geographical interests. Members will be selected to achieve a balanced representation of viewpoints, backgrounds, and areas of expertise as required by FACA guidelines. The OA Advisory Board consists of 25 representative members as detailed by the legislation comprised of the following:

  • Two representatives of the shellfish, lobster, or crab industry.
  • One representative of the finfish industry.
  • One representative of seafood processors.
  • Three representatives from academia, including both natural and social sciences.
  • One representative of recreational fishing.
  • One representative of a relevant nongovernmental organization.
  • Six representatives from relevant State and local governments with policy or regulatory authorities related to ocean acidification and coastal acidification.
  • One representative from the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
  • One representative from the California Current Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
  • One representative from the Northeast Coastal Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
  • One representative from the Southeast Coastal Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
  • One representative from the Gulf of America Coastal Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
  • One representative from the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
  • One representative from the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System or a subsequent entity that represents the island territories and possessions of the United States in the Pacific Ocean, and the State of Hawaii and has a similar purpose.
  • One representative from the Caribbean Regional Association for Coastal Ocean Observing or a subsequent entity that represents Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands and has a similar purpose.
  • One representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Olympic Coast Ocean Acidification Sentinel Site or a subsequent entity that represents the same geographical representation.
  • One representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Advisory Board without a vote.

How to Nominate
Nominations must include the following materials:

  1. A completed nomination form.
  2. A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
  3. Optional: Letters of recommendation supporting the nomination.

Self-nominations are welcome. All nominations must be submitted by March 18, 2025 to Dwight Gledhill (dwight.gledhill@noaa.gov) .

For more information, view the “Membership” tab on the OA Advisory Board webpage.

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Long-term declines of red king crab in Bristol Bay, Alaska may be partially attributed to ocean acidification conditions. These impacts may be partially responsible for the fishery closures during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons. Researchers found that ocean acidification negatively impacts Alaskan crabs generally by changing physiological processes, decreasing growth, increasing death rates and reducing shell thickness. Funded by the Ocean Acidification Program, scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center continue to investigate the responses of early life history stages and study the potential of various Alaska crabs to acclimate to changing conditions. Results will inform models that will use the parameters studied to predict the effects of future ocean acidification on the populations of red king crab in Bristol Bay as well as on the fisheries that depend on them. Fishery managers will better be able to anticipate and manage stocks if changing ocean chemistry affects stock productivity and thus the maximum sustainable yield.

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Understanding seasonal changes in ocean acidification in Alaskan waters and the potential impacts to the multi-billion-dollar fishery sector is a main priority. Through work funded by NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program, the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory developed a model capable of depicting past ocean chemistry conditions for the Bering Sea and is now testing the ability of this model to forecast future conditions. This model is being used to develop an ocean acidification indicator provided to fisheries managers in the annual NOAA Eastern Bering Sea Ecosystem Status Report.

ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

Closeup of oysters cupped in someone's hands

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
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