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Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans

Biogeochemical Anomalies at Two Southern California Current System Moorings During the 2014–2016 Warm Anomaly-El Niño Sequence

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We analyzed impacts of the 2014–2015 Pacific Warm Anomaly and 2015–2016 El Niño on physical and biogeochemical variables at two southern California Current System moorings (CCE2, nearshore upwelling off Point Conception; CCE1, offshore California Current). Nitrate and Chl-a fluorescence were <1 μM and <1 Standardized Fluorescence Unit, respectively, at CCE2 for the entire durations of the […]

Biogeochemical Anomalies at Two Southern California Current System Moorings During the 2014–2016 Warm Anomaly-El Niño Sequence Read More »

Large Decadal Changes in Air-Sea CO<sub>2</sub> Fluxes in the Caribbean Sea

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Through a unique collaboration with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines several cruise ships were outfitted with automated surface water carbon dioxide (CO2) measurement systems, providing weekly observations in the Caribbean Sea over the past 16 years. From over a million measurements, the increase in surface water CO2 in response to rising atmospheric levels was accurately monitored. The region is,

Large Decadal Changes in Air-Sea CO<sub>2</sub> Fluxes in the Caribbean Sea Read More »

Challenges in Quantifying Air-Water Carbon Dioxide Flux Using Estuarine Water Quality Data: Case Study for Chesapeake Bay

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Carbon dioxide (CO2), an important greenhouse gas, is transferred from most estuaries to the atmosphere at a poorly known but potentially large rate. The difficulty in accurately quantifying the transfer is the lack of data of the amount of CO2 in estuarine surface waters. We evaluated the proposition that the abundance of historical water quality measurements

Challenges in Quantifying Air-Water Carbon Dioxide Flux Using Estuarine Water Quality Data: Case Study for Chesapeake Bay Read More »

Seasonal Variations of Carbonate Chemistry at Two Western Atlantic Coral Reefs

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Anthropogenic activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, interact with the chemistry of the ocean surface and cause ocean acidification (OA). The current trend and projections for OA are well defined for open ocean waters, although less is known about its effects on nearshore ecosystems, where most of the affected organisms reside. In this

Seasonal Variations of Carbonate Chemistry at Two Western Atlantic Coral Reefs Read More »

Long-Term Changes of Carbonate Chemistry Variables Along the North American East Coast

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Human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and absorbed by the ocean. The excess carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean leads to ocean acidification. Coastal acidification along the North American East Coast is not well understood due to limited spatial and temporal observations and because other

Long-Term Changes of Carbonate Chemistry Variables Along the North American East Coast Read More »

Multiple Linear Regression Models for Reconstructing and Exploring Processes Controlling the Carbonate System of the Northeast US From Basic Hydrographic Data

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In the coastal ocean, local carbonate system variability is determined by the interaction between ocean acidification and local processes. Sporadic observations indicate that biological metabolism, river input, and water mass mixing are dominant local processes driving carbonate system variability in northeast US shelf waters. These processes are also reflected in the variability of observed temperature

Multiple Linear Regression Models for Reconstructing and Exploring Processes Controlling the Carbonate System of the Northeast US From Basic Hydrographic Data Read More »

Inorganic Carbon Transport and Dynamics in the Florida Straits

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Ocean heat and carbon are transported through the Florida Straits, contributing to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and playing an important role in climate. Insufficient observations of carbonate chemistry within the Florida Straits have limited our understanding of ocean acidification within this region. To examine carbonate chemistry and carbon transport dynamics within this region, we

Inorganic Carbon Transport and Dynamics in the Florida Straits Read More »

Inorganic Carbon Transport and Dynamics in the Florida Straits

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Ocean heat and carbon are transported through the Florida Straits, contributing to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and playing an important role in climate. Insufficient observations of carbonate chemistry within the Florida Straits have limited our understanding of ocean acidification within this region. To examine carbonate chemistry and carbon transport dynamics within this region, we

Inorganic Carbon Transport and Dynamics in the Florida Straits Read More »

Quantification of the Dominant Drivers of Acidification in the Coastal Mid-Atlantic Bight

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The coastal ocean is experiencing changes in chemistry due to human activities, including carbon dioxide emissions, nutrient runoff, and seasonal changes in temperature, salinity, and coastal currents. These drivers have been studied close to shore and/or only during single seasons, leaving a gap in our understanding of seasonal changes across the entire economically important shelf

Quantification of the Dominant Drivers of Acidification in the Coastal Mid-Atlantic Bight Read More »

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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