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Limnology and Oceanography

Regulation of surface carbon dioxide distributions and air–sea fluxes by temperature, biology, and mixing along the North American Atlantic Coastal Ocean Margin

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The North American Atlantic Coastal Ocean Margin (NAACOM) was recognized as an atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) sink, with large uncertainties in its northern areas due to complex dynamics in controlling the spatiotemporal variability of surface partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and limited pCO2 observations. Here, we used a regional reconstructed product to investigate the spatial and seasonal variability […]

Regulation of surface carbon dioxide distributions and air–sea fluxes by temperature, biology, and mixing along the North American Atlantic Coastal Ocean Margin Read More »

Regulation of surface carbon dioxide distributions and air–sea fluxes by temperature, biology, and mixing along the North American Atlantic Coastal Ocean Margin

By

The North American Atlantic Coastal Ocean Margin (NAACOM) was recognized as an atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) sink, with large uncertainties in its northern areas due to complex dynamics in controlling the spatiotemporal variability of surface partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and limited pCO2 observations. Here, we used a regional reconstructed product to investigate the spatial and seasonal variability

Regulation of surface carbon dioxide distributions and air–sea fluxes by temperature, biology, and mixing along the North American Atlantic Coastal Ocean Margin Read More »

Nutrient limitation dampens the response of a harmful algae to a marine heatwave in an upwelling system

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Harmful algal blooms caused by toxin-producing species of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia have been linked to anomalously warm ocean conditions in the Northern California Current System. This study compares summertime concentrations of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and the toxin they produce, domoic acid, during a marine heatwave year (2019) and a climatologically neutral year (2021). An Imaging FlowCytobot was installed on

Nutrient limitation dampens the response of a harmful algae to a marine heatwave in an upwelling system Read More »

The Pacific oyster, <em>Crassostrea gigas</em>, shows negative correlation to naturally elevated carbon dioxide levels: Implications for near-term ocean acidification effects

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We report results from an oyster hatchery on the Oregon coast, where intake waters experienced variable carbonate chemistry (aragonite saturation state < 0.8 to > 3.2; pH < 7.6 to > 8.2) in the early summer of 2009. Both larval production and midstage growth (∼ 120 to ∼ 150 µm) of the oyster Crassostrea gigas were significantly

The Pacific oyster, <em>Crassostrea gigas</em>, shows negative correlation to naturally elevated carbon dioxide levels: Implications for near-term ocean acidification effects Read More »

Advancing an integrated understanding of land–ocean connections in shaping the marine ecosystems of coastal temperate rainforest ecoregions

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Land and ocean ecosystems are strongly connected and mutually interactive. As climate changes and other anthropogenic stressors intensify, the complex pathways that link these systems will strengthen or weaken in ways that are currently beyond reliable prediction. In this review we offer a framework of land–ocean couplings and their role in shaping marine ecosystems in

Advancing an integrated understanding of land–ocean connections in shaping the marine ecosystems of coastal temperate rainforest ecoregions Read More »

Field evaluation of a low-powered, profiling <em>p</em>CO<sub>2</sub> system in coastal Washington

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Summertime upwelling of deep, corrosive waters on the continental shelf of the northern California Current System can exacerbate ocean acidification conditions, providing unsuitable environments for development of calcifying organisms and finfish that are important to the local economy. To better understand the carbonate system in this dynamic region, two recently developed technologies were combined with

Field evaluation of a low-powered, profiling <em>p</em>CO<sub>2</sub> system in coastal Washington Read More »

Preparation of 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol (TRIS) pHT buffers in synthetic seawater

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Buffers of known quality for the calibration of seawater pHT measurements are not widely or commercially available. Although there exist published compositions for the 0.04 mol kg-H2O−1 equimolar buffer 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol (TRIS)-TRIS · H+ in synthetic seawater, there are no explicit procedures that describe preparing this buffer to achieve a particular pHT with a known uncertainty. Such a procedure is described here

Preparation of 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol (TRIS) pHT buffers in synthetic seawater Read More »

Rapid assessments of Pacific Ocean net coral reef carbonate budgets and net calcification following the 2014–2017 global coral bleaching event

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The 2014–2017 global coral bleaching event caused widespread coral mortality; however, its impact on the capacity for coral reefs to maintain calcium carbonate structures has not been determined. Here, we quantified remotely sensed maximum heat stress during the 2014–2017 bleaching event, census-based net carbonate budgets from benthic imagery and fish survey data, and net reef

Rapid assessments of Pacific Ocean net coral reef carbonate budgets and net calcification following the 2014–2017 global coral bleaching event Read More »

Assessing drivers of estuarine pH: A comparative analysis of the continental U.S.A.’s two largest estuaries

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In estuaries, local processes such as changing material loads from the watershed and complex circulation create dynamic environments with respect to ecosystem metabolism and carbonate chemistry that can strongly modulate impacts of global atmospheric CO2 increases on estuarine pH. Long-term (> 20 yr) surface water pH records from the USA’s two largest estuaries, Chesapeake Bay (CB) and

Assessing drivers of estuarine pH: A comparative analysis of the continental U.S.A.’s two largest estuaries Read More »

Source partitioning of oxygen-consuming organic matter in the hypoxic zone of the Chesapeake Bay

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We surveyed the carbonate system along the main channel of the Chesapeake Bay in June 2016 to elucidate carbonate dynamics and the associated sources of oxygen-consuming organic matter. Using a two endmember mixing calculation, chemical proxies, and stoichiometry, we demonstrated that in early summer, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) dynamics were controlled by aerobic respiration in

Source partitioning of oxygen-consuming organic matter in the hypoxic zone of the Chesapeake Bay Read More »

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