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Tools informing ocean change planning for Tribal managers in coastal Washington

Ruby beach as seen from a lookout, there are high cliffs in the foreground with partially submerged large and small rocks in the water behind them. Sky is dusky and cloudy.
Ruby Beach in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary in Washington. Credit: Nick Zachar, NOAA
  • Principal Investigator(s): Jan Newton, University of Washington
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2025, 2026, 2027

Development of OA data and model products to inform ocean change adaptation, resilience, and mitigation planning by tribal and other Olympic Coast coastal resource managers

Why we care
The harvest and use of Olympic Coast marine species are central to the well-being of the Tribes for their livelihoods, subsistence and food security, and ceremonial and cultural practices. This project addresses how ocean acidification will affect marine life of the Olympic Coast of Washington state, particularly focal species that Coastal Treaty Tribes depend on.

What we will do
This project leverages a previously-funded regional vulnerability and resilience assessment awarded in 2017 that advanced place-based biological risk via forecast model projections. This new work will focus on co-designing new data and forecast products, synthesizing the information with each Tribe, and working to ensure the information is accessible and useful. This furthers efforts to deliver desired shorter time-scale projections focused on practical information relevant to key species such as Dungeness crab, razor clams, olive snails and Pacific halibut. The research team will organize follow-up meetings to finalize work products, produce new guidance tools and products, and disseminate work with tribal managers and their communities. 

Benefits of our work
This work produces new guidance tools and products to inform ocean change adaptation, resilience, and mitigation planning. The work specifically supports the Coastal Treaty Tribes of Washington and other Olympic Coast marine resource users and managers. It will continue to serve as a model for co-development and ocean acidification action planning for communities. 

Resources
The Olympic Coast as a Sentinel
OAP page for first RVA project
California Current Acidification Network

Investigators
Jan Newton, University of Washington
Melissa Poe, University of Washington Sea Grant
Samantha Siedlecki, University of Connecticut
Simone Alin, NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
Chandler Countryman, University of Washington Sea Grant
Kim Bray, Hoh Tribe
Jennifer Hagen, Quileute Tribe
William Jasper, Makah Tribe
Scott Mazzone, Quinault Indian Nation

Advisory Committee
Matt George, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife
Katie Wrubel, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
TBD, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

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