The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program presents major highlights of ocean acidification research, monitoring and outreach over fiscal year 2025.
OAP highlights progress on ocean acidification in 2025 Read More »
The North American Atlantic Coastal Ocean Margin (NAACOM) was recognized as an atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) sink, with large uncertainties in its northern areas due to complex dynamics in controlling the spatiotemporal variability of surface partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and limited pCO2 observations. Here, we used a regional reconstructed product to investigate the spatial and seasonal variability
The 2025 National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP)’s Mariana Archipelago mission finished in June.
Marianas coral reef and ocean monitoring mission completed Read More »
NOAA’s Ocean Carbon Acidification Data System (OCADS) now includes the 2025 version of the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) database.
NOAA hosts newly released surface ocean CO2 data Read More »
The North American Atlantic Coastal Ocean Margin (NAACOM) was recognized as an atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) sink, with large uncertainties in its northern areas due to complex dynamics in controlling the spatiotemporal variability of surface partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and limited pCO2 observations. Here, we used a regional reconstructed product to investigate the spatial and seasonal variability
As a response to public demand for a well-documented, quality controlled, publically available, global surface ocean carbon dioxide (CO2) data set, the international marine carbon science community developed the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT). The first SOCAT product is a collection of 6.3 million quality controlled surface CO2 data from the global oceans and coastal seas, spanning
Surface Ocean CO<sub>2</sub> Atlas (SOCAT) gridded data products Read More »
A well-documented, publicly available, global data set of surface ocean carbon dioxide (CO2) parameters has been called for by international groups for nearly two decades. The Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) project was initiated by the international marine carbon science community in 2007 with the aim of providing a comprehensive, publicly available, regularly updated, global data
A uniform, quality controlled Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) Read More »
This paper defines the best practices for documenting ocean acidification (OA) data and presents a framework for an OA metadata template. Metadata is structured information that describes and locates an information resource. It is the key to ensuring that a data set will be accessible into the future. With the rapid expansion of studies on
A metadata template for ocean acidification data Read More »
Fingerprinting ocean acidification (OA) in US West Coast waters is extremely challenging due to the large magnitude of natural carbonate chemistry variations common to these regions. Additionally, quantifying a change requires information about the initial conditions, which is not readily available in most coastal systems. In an effort to address this issue, we have collated high-quality publicly
Advances in ocean observing technologies and modeling provide the capacity to revolutionize the management of living marine resources. While traditional fisheries management approaches like single-species stock assessments are still common, a global effort is underway to adopt ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approaches. These approaches consider changes in the physical environment and interactions between ecosystem elements,
Future Ocean Observations to Connect Climate, Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems Read More »
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.
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:
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
Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes
Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally
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.
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
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
Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats
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: