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Publications

Publication Post Type

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 »

A Transcriptomic Analysis of Phenotypic Plasticity in Crassostrea virginica Larvae under Experimental Acidification

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Ocean acidification (OA) is a major threat to marine calcifiers, and little is known regarding acclimation to OA in bivalves. This study combined physiological assays with next-generation sequencing to assess the potential for recovery from and acclimation to OA in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and identify molecular mechanisms associated with resilience. In a reciprocal

A Transcriptomic Analysis of Phenotypic Plasticity in Crassostrea virginica Larvae under Experimental Acidification Read More »

Dissimilar Sensitivities of Ocean Acidification Metrics to Anthropogenic Carbon Accumulation in the Central North Pacific Ocean and California Current Large Marine Ecosystem

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The ocean mitigates the extent of global warming by absorbing a portion of the carbon dioxide gas (CO2) released into the atmosphere by human activities. However, this comes at a cost to ocean health because the uptake of this anthropogenic CO2 causes changes in ocean chemistry, called ocean acidification (OA), that can be detrimental to marine

Dissimilar Sensitivities of Ocean Acidification Metrics to Anthropogenic Carbon Accumulation in the Central North Pacific Ocean and California Current Large Marine Ecosystem 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 »

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 »

Global Carbon Budget 2021

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Accurate assessment of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and their redistribution among the atmosphere, ocean, and terrestrial biosphere in a changing climate is critical to better understand the global carbon cycle, support the development of climate policies, and project future climate change. Here we describe and synthesize datasets and methodology to quantify the five major

Global Carbon Budget 2021 Read More »

Dynamic energy budget modeling of Atlantic surfclam, Spisula solidissima, under future ocean acidification and warming

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A dynamic energy budget (DEB) model integrating pCO2 was used to describe ocean acidification (OA) effects on Atlantic surfclam, Spisula solidissima, bioenergetics. Effects of elevated pCO2 on ingestion and somatic maintenance costs were simulated, validated, and adapted in the DEB model based upon growth and biological rates acquired during a 12-week laboratory experiment. Temperature and pCO2 were projected for the next 100

Dynamic energy budget modeling of Atlantic surfclam, Spisula solidissima, under future ocean acidification and warming Read More »

Resilience of Black Sea Bass Embryos to Increased Levels of Carbon Dioxide

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After a decade of research on how embryonic fish will respond to the increased dissolved carbon dioxide (ρCO2) levels predicted for the next century, no uniform response to near future acidification has been observed among marine species. We exposed Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata (BSB) embryos to varied levels of ρCO2 (microatmospheres [μatm]) for 48 h during seasonal experiments

Resilience of Black Sea Bass Embryos to Increased Levels of Carbon Dioxide Read More »

The impact of oyster aquaculture on the estuarine carbonate system

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Many studies have examined the vulnerability of calcifying organisms, such as the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), to externally forced ocean acidification, but the opposite interaction whereby oysters alter their local carbonate conditions has received far less attention. We present an exploratory model for isolating the impact that net calcification and respiration of aquacultured eastern oysters

The impact of oyster aquaculture on the estuarine carbonate system Read More »

Implications of salinity normalization of seawater total alkalinity in coral reef metabolism studies

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Salinity normalization of total alkalinity (TA) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) data is commonly used to account for conservative mixing processes when inferring net metabolic modification of seawater by coral reefs. Salinity (S), TA, and DIC can be accurately and precisely measured, but salinity normalization of TA (nTA) and DIC (nDIC) can generate considerable and

Implications of salinity normalization of seawater total alkalinity in coral reef metabolism studies 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