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Discovering Ocean Acidification and Ocean Literacy Principles for Underserved Areas in Rural North Carolina

North Carolina seen from space from MODIS on NASA's Aqua satellite on June 30, 2022
North Carolina seen from space from MODIS on NASA's Aqua satellite on June 30, 2022
  • Principal Investigator(s): Erika Young, North Carolina State University, Courtney Lamb, Littlefield Middle School
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2024, 2025

Why we care
Several counties in North Carolina face economic challenges and potentially impacts of coastal and ocean acidification on local economies and ways of life. There is a strong need to bolster understanding of the scientific method and consuming scientific information of relevant challenges such as ocean acidification. This project delivers ocean acidification education focusing on the scientific method and understanding the impacts of ocean acidification in North Carolina schools.

What we will do
As members of the Lumbee Tribe, project leaders aim to improve environmental and ocean acidification literacy for the tribe and surrounding communities. This project includes three main education modules in schools in four Tier 1 counties facing economic challenges in southeast North Carolina. 

First, students will learn how humans influence ocean and coastal acidification through hands-on activities. Second, students focus on the scientific method by conducting their own investigations on the impacts of ocean acidification on shellfish. They will use data and synergistic research and collaboration from NOAA’s Ocean and Coastal Acidification Data System (OCADS) and the the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) and  and the several monitoring sites such as the Pivers Island Coastal  Observatory (PICO), the Neuse River Estuary and Monitoring Project (MODMON). Third, students will learn about trophic level and food web impacts of ocean acidification. 

Student work will be highlighted and disseminated in partnership with North Carolina Sea Grant to increase reach and awareness of the program and ocean and coastal acidification. 

Benefits of our work
This project fills a critical environmental and ocean acidification education need to schools in rural Tier 1 counties in North Carolina. Tier 1 counties in North Carolina are defined as counties with with poor economic well-being and the most economically distressed. Additionally, the work will reach the highest Indigenous student populations in the state. Products highlighting this increase in ocean acidification education capacity will increase reach and awareness. 

Investigators
Erika Young, North Carolina State University
Courtney Lamb, Littlefield Middle School

More about ocean acidification in North Carolina

Image: North Carolina seen from space from MODIS on NASA’s Aqua satellite on June 30, 2022

Effects of ocean acidification and temperature on Alaskan crabs

Red King Crab
Image credit: David Csepp, NMFS AKFSC ABL

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.

More about this work

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