A better understanding of carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake is critical for understanding the role of the ocean in modulating the CO2 rise in the atmosphere. In this study, we assess the uptake of CO2 by the Pacific Ocean, how this uptake changes with the rise of atmospheric CO2 and climate change, and how much CO2 is accumulating in its […]
This study presents the first dynamically downscaled projections of ocean acidification (OA) for the Main Hawaiian Islands using coupled Regional Ocean Modeling System and Carbon, Ocean Biogeochemistry, and Lower Trophics models integrated with Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) outputs from the Community Earth System Model 2. We analyze three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6,
In the face of rapidly compounding climate change impacts, including ocean acidification (OA), it is critical to understand present-day stress exposure and to anticipate the biogeochemical conditions experienced by vulnerable ecosystems like coral reefs. To meaningfully predict nearshore carbonate chemistry, we must account for the complexity of the local benthic community, as well as connectivity
Reef-building deep-sea corals are facing new threats from climate change, including changes in ocean chemistry. These corals are especially vulnerable to increasing ocean acidity (i.e., ocean acidification). In the ocean, the aragonite saturation horizon (ASH) marks the depth below which waters become increasingly corrosive and deep-sea corals’ aragonite skeletons may dissolve. As ocean acidification progresses,
Ocean acidification (OA) is a pressing global issue characterized by fundamental changes in ocean chemistry, including the reduction of pH levels, due to the absorption of increased atmospheric CO2. This phenomenon poses significant threats to marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, food security, and coastal economies. Time-series observations remain indispensable for documenting these changes, offering insights into
Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) is a carbon dioxide (CO2) removal approach that involves the addition of alkaline substances to the marine environment to increase seawater buffering capacity and allow it to absorb more atmospheric CO2. Increasing seawater alkalinity leads to an increase in the saturation state (Ω) with respect to several minerals, which may trigger
As climate change continues to increase in severity, the window of time available to achieve climate stabilization decreases. In addition to reducing emissions, climate solutions such as marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) are being considered. If mCDR is to scale from research to implementation it will impact various sectors including fisheries and aquaculture. Well-coordinated, co-developed
Coastal acidification, warming, and nutrient management actions all alter water quality conditions that marine species experience, with potential impacts to their physiological processes. Decreases in calcite saturation state (ΩCa) and food availability, combined with warming water temperatures, pose a threat to calcifying organisms; however, the magnitude of future changes in estuarine systems is challenging to
Researchers supported in part by NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program co-authored research that won the United Kingdom’s National Champion award and is a finalist for the Frontiers Planet Prize, the world’s largest global science competition.
Ground-breaking ocean acidification research received prestigious award, nomination Read More »
NOAA scientists set sail this week from Hawai’i aboard the NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette headed for
American Samoa and the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to monitor vital coral reef ecosystems.
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:
