Coastal communities in the Mid-Atlantic depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and becomes more acidic (lower pH), small changes in the food chain can ripple up to the seafood caught and sold locally. Dive in with ocean advocate Eva as she breaks down the […]
Coastal and Ocean Acidification Read More »
Ocean Acidification challenges/threatens the livelihoods of shellfish growers, seafood dealers, and commercial fishermen in the Mid-Atlantic. Learn firsthand from three local growers and fishermen about the impacts they’ve observed to oysters, clams, and finfish, the business challenges they’re facing, and the ways they’re adapting their hatchery operations and fishing practices in response to climate change.
Ocean Acidification: Livelihoods on the Line Read More »
In the Mid-Atlantic’s coastal waters, oysters and seagrass provide important habitat for fish and crabs. They also filter out nutrients that cause algal blooms (eutrophication). When faced with ocean acidification, do these habitat builders always lose? In this video, we explore how oysters and seagrass differ in their responses to acidification and what this means
Ocean Acidification: Oysters and Seagrass Read More »
Technological advances in acidification monitoring and ocean carbon dioxide removal can help reduce ocean acidification’s impacts to Mid-Atlantic fisheries and local economy. In this video, we explore how scientists use underwater robots (gliders) to help fishery managers identify “hotspots” of acidification. Find out how innovative carbon removal strategies like enhancing the ocean’s ability to buffer
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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:
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
Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes
Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally
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.
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
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
Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats
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:
