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Delivering ocean acidification products and observing system assessment for the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem

A glider equipped with sensors measuring ocean conditions and ocean chemistry is deployed off a ship. Credit: NOAA PMEL
  • Principal Investigator(s): Christopher A. Edwards, University of California Santa Cruz
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2025, 2026, 2027

Award Amount: $1,049,822
Duration: 3 years

Project title: Four-dimensional ocean acidification data products and observing system assessment for the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem

Why we care
The California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) experiences seasonal and episodic circulation patterns that bring more acidified (lower pH) and lower oxygen waters of the broad subsurface North Pacific to the surface nearshore. Some marine life are vulnerable to low pH, including species near the base of food webs as well as commercially and culturally important fisheries. While many remote instruments (e.g., satellites) and in-place platforms such as gliders observe many critical ocean variables and improve model-produced hindcasts and nowcasts of ocean properties, such representations of key ocean acidification variables wasn’t possible until now. This project focuses on delivering this information to people who need it most in ways they can best use.

What we will do
This project takes advantage of three capabilities. First, recently-developed ocean observing technology that measures ocean pH on gliders. Second, statistical models that can estimate other critical ocean variables from measured glider data. Third, complex ocean circulation and biogeochemical models that produce representation of ocean properties in full 3-dimensional space and in time, which are similar to models used to predict weather. Researchers will combine these tools to produce estimates of ocean acidification parameters throughout the central CCLME. Project members will engage with regional parties, fishery scientists, and ocean observing system coordinators to ensure that the study focuses on geographical regions and disseminates useful, simplified, summary measures of pH conditions to interested communities. One important project member supporting these activities is the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS), which supports and coordinates the CCLME observing systems and delivery of information in near real-time to regional users. The team will investigate ways to best optimize the observing system, particularly the underwater glider network, to address ocean acidification (OA) related needs within central California. 

Benefits of our work
This project offers CeNCOOS (1) new data products to inform the community on the CCLME ocean acidification history, (2) involvement in observing system metric definitions that best aid regional ocean acidification decision-making and communities, and (3) a quantitative assessment of the value of their multi-year investments. The overarching goals of this project are to develop two sets of ocean acidification relevant products for the CCLME and communicating project results to key interested communities.

Investigators
Christopher Edwards, University of California Santa Cruz
Yuichiro Takeshita, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
J. Paul Mattern, University of California Santa Cruz
Henry A. Ruhl, Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS)

Image: A glider equipped with sensors measuring ocean conditions and ocean chemistry is deployed off a ship. Credit: NOAA PMEL

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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

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

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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