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Monitoring & Modeling

Increasing River Alkalinity Slows Ocean Acidification in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

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Ocean acidification (OA) progression is affected by multiple factors, such as ocean warming, biological production, and river runoff. Here we used an ocean-biogeochemical model to assess the impact of river runoff and climate variability on the spatiotemporal patterns of OA in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) during 1981–2014. The model showed the expected pH and […]

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A geographic weighted regression approach for improved total alkalinity estimates in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

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Total alkalinity (TA) is one of the important parameters to show the intensity of seawater buffer against ocean acidification. TA dynamics in the northern Gulf of Mexico (N-GoM) is significantly affected by the Mississippi River. An empirical TA algorithm is offered here which accounts for the local effects of coastal processes. In situ data collected during numerous research

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British Columbia to southern California: making headway with ocean change

OA News, OAP Original News Stories / By

An international team of scientists aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown is conducting a comprehensive 47-day survey along the North American West Coast to measure ocean acidification and its effects on marine life. Learn how they are analyzing chemistry and biological samples to understand how changing ocean conditions are impacting ecosystems and to inform future management strategies.

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British Columbia to southern California: making headway with ocean change

OAP Original News Stories, ocean acidification / By

On June 13, scientists aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown set out on the West Coast Ocean Acidification Research Cruise to characterize conditions along the West Coast of North America and continue to build a unique time-series of carbon and hydrographic measurements in areas expected to be highly impacted by ocean acidification. 

British Columbia to southern California: making headway with ocean change Read More »

cover for vulnerability in chesapeake bay webstory

Understanding vulnerability to coastal acidification: scientists, oyster growers and restoration specialists working together in the Chesapeake Bay

OA News, OAP Original News Stories / By

Researchers led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science are collaborating with Chesapeake Bay oyster growers to address the biological and economic threats posed by ocean acidification. By integrating high-resolution 3D modeling with social science research, the project aims to provide commercial growers with forecasting tools to better protect the region’s multi-million dollar shellfish industry.

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Seasonal Forecasts of Ocean Acidification in the Bering Sea

OA News / By

NOAA PMEL Sustained Seasonal Forecasts of Ocean Acidification in the Bering Sea Why we careAlaskan ocean waters are highly vulnerable to ocean acidification (OA) due to the naturally cold, poorly buffered waters and ocean circulation patterns. This vulnerability means that a relatively small amount of anthropogenic CO2 can cause corrosivity in Alaskan waters on seasonal

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Forecasts for Alaska Fisheries

Crab pots and fishing nets in Alaska's Dutch Harbor
Image credit: Michael Theberge

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
       More for Taking Community Action