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Improving Monitoring Capacity for Ocean Acidification for the East and Gulf Coasts

Phytoplankton, most likely coccolithophors, in the Atlantic on 15 Feb 2006. Credit: NASA
  • Principal Investigator(s): Denis Pierrot
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Expanding near-shore carbonate measurements along the East and Gulf coasts through multiple collaborations

Why we care
Most recreational fishing and tourism occurs in nearshore and coastal regions, yet they are vastly under-sampled. The susceptibility to ocean acidification (OA) of these important waters is not well understood in these dynamic and highly variable regions that are influenced by both land and sea processes. More complete measurement and monitoring of the carbonate system, the ocean’s buffering system that helps maintain a range of pH (measure of acidity) that supports life processes, will improve our understanding of the effects of ocean acidification on ocean health and fisheries as well as our ability to predict them. 

What we will do
Researchers will augment several efforts that measure and monitor the carbonate system. They will 1) add a carbonate component to the harmful algal blooms (HABs) monitoring cruises conducted periodically on the Western Florida Shelf in order to study potential links between HABs and OA, 2) renew a collaboration with select National Parks to complement and enhance our nearshore data collection on the Northern Gulf of Mexico and US East Coast, and 3) complement current surface measurements (pCO2) in the Gulf of America and US East Coast with other critical measurements (alkalinity) to help improve our fundamental understanding of nearshore ocean acidification processes. 

Benefits of our work
This work increases our capacity to measure the carbonate system with current assets already present in the region. This will enhance our understanding of the linkages between nearshore and open ocean processes as well as the mechanisms and impacts of ocean acidification. Better understanding of these dynamics help us predict change and address impacts on ocean health and fisheries.

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

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