Ocean Acidification Research
Research Areas
Environmental monitoring, sensitivity research, adaptation response, education and outreach, and critical data collection for ocean acidification
Determining our nation's vulnerability to ocean acidification demands a trifecta of understanding: quantifying the environmental exposure of marine life to ocean acidification through monitoring and modeling of ocean chemistry, discerning the sensitivity of marine life to ocean acidification through biological response research and ecosystem models, and understanding the human dependence on organisms most impacted.
The Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM; 33 U.S.C. Chapter 50, Sec. 3701-3708) Act established the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program and provided guidance and mandates for our mission. FOARAM was reauthorized as part of the CHIPS Act in 2022 with additional responsibilities that continue to shape our work.
NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program Supports Critical Ocean Acidification Research
The Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) pursues science to improve our understanding of where, how, and how fast the chemistry of the ocean is changing. Furthermore, knowing what impacts these changes have on marine life, people, and the local, regional, and national economies.
This work aligns with NOAA’s mission to understand ocean change, share that knowledge, and conserve coastal and marine ecosystems. The OAP plays an integral role in maintaining long-term ocean acidification monitoring and advancing our knowledge of marine ecosystems sensitivity to acidification. OAP facilitates educational opportunities and collaborations to raise awareness and action. Additionally, the OAP provides grants for critical research projects on the socioeconomic impacts that can lead to potential adaptive strategies. The program coordinates activities with other agencies and appropriate international ocean science bodies.
Research Areas
Monitoring & Modeling
Environmental monitoring and modeling characterize ocean conditions so that it may be applied to assessing impacts to species, ecosystems and people.
Repeat hydrographic surveys, ship-based surface observations, and time series stations in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans allow us to begin to understand he long-term changes in carbonate chemistry in response to ocean acidification. Many divisions and programs within NOAA, partnering with federal and state agencies, and academic and private institutions enable this work. There are many approaches and platforms used to make these observations.
Biological Response
NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program supports research focused on economically, ecologically, and culturally important marine species. We can use what we know about survival, growth, and physiology to explore how aquaculture, wild fisheries, and food webs may change as ocean chemistry changes.
Human Connections
The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program works to learn how to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems in the face of impacts.
Ocean acidification is a threat to food security, economies, and culture because of its potential impacts on marine ecosystem services. One of the first steps in developing adaptation strategies is to learn how sensitive organisms and communities are to ocean acidification. Knowing these sensitivities, we can better predict impacts of future change. There after, communities can incorporate ocean acidification impacts into management plans and adaptation strategies. Furthermore, developing new technologies can help monitor and protect sensitive species, ecosystems, and impacted people in the future.
Education & Outreach
Education and outreach are vital to improving the public's awareness and understanding of ocean acidification.
Awareness is the first step in taking action to mitigate, prepare for, and adapt to the impacts of ocean acidification. Efforts aim to increase the general awareness that ocean acidification is happening now, but also the understanding state of our scientific knowledge and how to use it to create adaptive strategies. There are many programs within NOAA that are active in educating a variety of audiences about this and other issues including NOAA’s Office of Education, the National Sea Grant Program, the Climate Program Office, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, the National Marine Sanctuaries Program, and the various Fisheries Science Centers around the nation.
Data Management
We need efficient ways to manage and deliver data to understand changing ocean chemistry and its impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems.
Carbon Dioxide Removal
NOAA is poised to advance our understanding of carbon dioxide removal as an essential strategy to address climate and ocean change.
Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) aims to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it underground or in the ocean. In addition to curbing emissions, CDR is now considered an essential approach for limiting global warming to 1.5 – 2 °C, which is a tipping point with expected major, irreversible ecological and social impacts. CDR methods that lower the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere also have the potential to slow it. Some marine CDR methods may have local ocean acidification mitigation impacts that could support ecosystems and industry.
Get involved with ocean acidification research
The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program exists to meet the ocean acidification (OA) research and monitoring needs of the US. We have developed the NOAA OA Working Group as a way to facilitate these close working relationships. See how you can get involved to serve your community and participate in cutting-edge research.
