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The Ocean Acidification (OA) Advisory Board advises the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification (IWG-OA) and the Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (SOST). The OA Advisory Board provides independent recommendations on matters related to federal activities on ocean and coastal acidification, including understanding impacts and developing mitigation techniques for ecosystems and human communities.

The OA Advisory board’s responsibilities include:

  1. Advising on federal research, monitoring, and outreach activities related to ocean and coastal acidification, and on efforts to coordinate these activities among agencies;
  2. Advising agencies who are members of the IWG-OA on priorities for activities related to ocean and coastal acidification as requested;
  3. Reviewing and making recommendations to SOST on the IWG-OA’s biennial reports, strategic research plan, and vulnerability assessments;
  4. Advising on best practices for data management and archiving standards for ocean and coastal acidification data; 
  5. Advising on best practices and opportunities for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility within the ocean and coastal acidification education and research community;
  6. Maintaining mechanisms for engagement and coordination with Tribal governments; and
  7. Any additional responsibilities the SOST or IWG-OA considers appropriate.

Authority

Congress mandated the establishment of the OA Advisory Board in Section 10644(6) of the Chips and Science Act of 22 (Public Law 117-167 § 10644(6)),  33 U.S.C. § 3703(c). The OA Advisory Board consists of 25 representative members as detailed by the legislation. Members represent a balance of scientific, industry, State and local resource managers, and geographical interests.

Membership

Contact

Courtney Witkowski, Designated Federal Officer
courtney.witkowski@noaa.gov

Meetings

Upcoming Meetings

MEmbership

Resources

Reports

List reports here

Background Documents

2024
Charter
Membership Balance Plan
FRN Solicitation for New Members

The OA Advisory Board carries out its activities subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory committees. Sections 10(e) and (f) of the FACA, 5 U.S.C. §§ 1009(e) and (f), direct the head of the agency responsible for an advisory committee to designate an officer or employee of the Federal Government to ensure committee compliance with FACA, and any other applicable laws and regulations.

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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

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