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Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans

The Combined Effects of Ocean Acidification and Respiration on Habitat Suitability for Marine Calcifiers Along the West Coast of North America

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The combined effect of ocean acidification and respiration in the California Current Ecosystem is to reduce water column pH and aragonite saturation state, resulting in a compression of the overall size of suitable habitat for marine calcifiers. The addition of excess anthropogenic CO2 also makes it more likely that critical biological thresholds are crossed and shell […]

The Combined Effects of Ocean Acidification and Respiration on Habitat Suitability for Marine Calcifiers Along the West Coast of North America 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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Carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere by humans can adversely impact aquatic ecosystems, so it is crucial that we understand the current state of carbon variables and anticipate future conditions. Carbon cycling in the coastal ocean is the result of the interaction of physical and biological processes that occur on multiple time and space scales.

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

Mechanisms Driving Decadal Changes in the Carbonate System of a Coastal Plain Estuary

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Seawater pH, a measure of how acidic or basic water is, is a crucial water quality parameter influencing the growth and health of marine organisms, such as oysters, fishes and crabs. Decreasing pH, commonly referred to as acidification, is a severe environmental issue that has been exacerbated by human activities since the industrial revolution. In

Mechanisms Driving Decadal Changes in the Carbonate System of a Coastal Plain Estuary Read More »

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

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In shallow coastal shelves like the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB), ocean acidification due to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is compounded by highly variable coastal processes including riverine freshwater inputs, nutrient loading, biogeochemical influence, coastal currents and water mass mixing, and seasonal transitions in physical parameters. Past deconstructions of carbonate system drivers in the MAB have

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

Inorganic Carbon Transport and Dynamics in the Florida Straits

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A large amount of ocean heat and carbon is transported northward through the Florida Straits, the upper limb of the Atlantic Meridional Circulation, and plays a role in ocean carbonate chemistry along the U.S. east coast. Our understanding of carbon transport and ocean acidification in the Florida Straits is limited by insufficient carbonate chemistry data

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

Carbonate Parameter Estimation and Its Application in Revealing Temporal and Spatial Variation in the South and Mid-Atlantic Bight, USA

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Coastal ocean carbon cycling is a complex process that is influenced by various physical and biological processes. Sporadic carbonate data challenges our understanding of carbon cycling in coastal areas. We first reviewed the assumptions and routines in developing coastal empirical models, and then built linear regression models with frequently measured seawater properties, such as temperature,

Carbonate Parameter Estimation and Its Application in Revealing Temporal and Spatial Variation in the South and Mid-Atlantic Bight, USA 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