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NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program Research Region

Region: Alaska & Arctic

Related Posts

See news related to this Research Region

Seawater pH measurements in the field: A DIY photometer with 0.01 unit pH accuracy

A portable light-emitting-diode (LED) photometer has been developed to provide low-cost seawater pH measurements. The benefits of the new system include a simple “do-it-yourself” construction design, a hundredfold reduction in cost relative to benchtop spectrophotometric systems, routine calibration-free operation in the field, and precision and accuracy well suited to applications such as education, coastal zone

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January 3, 2025

Science integration into US climate and ocean policy

The pace of environmental change lends urgency to the need for integration of climate considerations into ocean policy and management. A recent rapid expansion of ocean and climate policies provides a timely window of opportunity for the scientific community to inform and support these efforts. Lessons can be learned from successful initiatives, where scientists are

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January 3, 2025

State of the Climate in 2013

In 2013, the vast majority of the monitored climate variables reported here maintained trends established in recent decades. ENSO was in a neutral state during the entire year, remaining mostly on the cool side of neutral with modest impacts on regional weather patterns aroundthe world. This follows several years dominated by the effects of either

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January 3, 2025

An update to the Surface Ocean CO<sub>2</sub> Atlas (SOCAT version 2)

The Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT), an activity of the international marine carbon research community, provides access to synthesis and gridded fCO2 (fugacity of carbon dioxide) products for the surface oceans. Version 2 of SOCAT is an update of the previous release (version 1) with more data (increased from 6.3 million to 10.1 million surface water fCO2 values) and

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January 3, 2025

Calcium carbonate corrosivity in an Alaskan inland sea

Ocean acidification is the hydrogen ion increase caused by the oceanic uptake of anthropogenic CO2, and is a focal point in marine biogeochemistry, in part, because this chemical reaction reduces calcium carbonate (CaCO3) saturation states (Ω) to levels that are corrosive (i.e., Ω ≤ 1) to shell-forming marine organisms. However, other processes can drive CaCO3 corrosivity;

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January 3, 2025

The dynamic controls on carbonate mineral saturation states and ocean acidification in a glacially dominated estuary

Recently, a number of studies have shown that the intrusion of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) into the ocean has created an acidification effect leading to the reduction in carbonate mineral saturation states (Ω). However, the uptake of atmospheric CO2 is not the only climate-induced phenomenon that leads to a reduction of Ω in marine environments. Over

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January 3, 2025

Evaluating the impact of ocean acidification on fishery yields and profits: The example of red king crab in Bristol Bay

A stage-structured pre-recruit model was developed to capture hypotheses regarding the impact of ocean acidification on the survival of pre-recruit crab. The model was parameterized using life history and survival data for red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) derived from experiments conducted at the National Marine Fisheries Service Kodiak laboratory. A parameterized pre-recruit model was linked

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January 3, 2025

A simplified coulometric method for multi-sample measurements of total dissolved inorganic carbon concentration in marine waters

A new system requiring greatly reduced operator intervention has been developed for the determination of dissolved inorganic carbon concentration in marine waters. Based on a coulometric method, the system has an accuracy and precision comparable to more complex and expensive methods currently employed. A syringe pump equipped with a 12-port distribution valve is used to

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January 3, 2025

Evidence of prolonged aragonite undersaturations in the bottom waters of the southern Bering Sea shelf from autonomous sensors

The southeastern shelf of the Bering Sea is a dynamic area that experiences seasonal variability in primary production and remineralization of organic matter, both of which control the carbon biogeochemistry of the water column. Surface-water partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) is greatly reduced in summer by biological production, which increases carbonate mineral saturation states (Ω). In contrast, the export of large quantities

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January 3, 2025

Transdisciplinary Science: A Path to Understanding the Interactions Among Ocean Acidification, Ecosystems, and Society

The global nature of ocean acidification (OA) transcends habitats, ecosystems, regions, and science disciplines. The scientific community recognizes that the biggest challenge in improving understanding of how changing OA conditions affect ecosystems, and associated consequences for human society, requires integration of experimental, observational, and modeling approaches from many disciplines over a wide range of temporal and

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January 2, 2025

Related Projects

See our funded projects for this Focus Area

A large coral in American Samoa known as "Big Momma" Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Fatoata: Sami a Taeao (Tomorrow’s Ocean)
  • PI(s): Vera Peck, Fatoata
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2024, 2025, 2026
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0001-T1-01
This project provides new ocean acidification education to communities in American Samoa...
Project Summary >
Secluded beach with tide pools and algae covered rock formations captured soon after sunrise, Half Moon Bay, California, USA. Credit: Jan Arendtsz (Flickr, CC)
Ocean Acidification Science in Schools (OASIS)
  • PI(s): Karen Peluso-Galaviz, Marine Science Institute
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2024, 2025, 2026
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0004-T1-01
This project provides a hands-on ocean and coastal acidification curriculum to students from coastal communities in Redwood City, California...
Project Summary >
California's Humboldt coast as seen from a high vantage near sunset. Fog lingers above the King Range National Conservation Area. Credit: Guest photographer Bob Wick for CA Bureau of Land Management
Broadening Ocean Acidification Teaching and Learning (BOATL)
  • PI(s): Julie Van Sickle, Natural History Museum of Cal Poly Humboldt, Jeffrey White, Cal Poly Humboldt
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2024, 2025, 2026
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0005-T1-01
Broadening Ocean Acidification Teaching and Learning (BOATL) offers teacher professional development and ocean acidification science education to schools and local Tribes...
Project Summary >
Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach, Oregon (2024). Credit: Kevin Crosby (Creative Commons)
SMILE: Ocean Acidification Education Program
  • PI(s): Jay Well, Oregon State University
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2024, 2025, 2026
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0003-T1-01
This project seeks to address gaps in ocean and environmental education and improve outcomes for Oregon’s youth through the Oregon State University’s Science Math Investigative Learning Experiences (SMILE) Program...
Project Summary >
North Carolina seen from space from MODIS on NASA's Aqua satellite on June 30, 2022
Discovering Ocean Acidification and Ocean Literacy Principles for Underserved Areas in Rural North Carolina
  • PI(s): Erika Young, North Carolina State University, Courtney Lamb, Littlefield Middle School
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2024, 2025
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0002-T1-01
This project delivers ocean acidification education in rural North Carolina schools...
Project Summary >
Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Alabama Oysters Taste Best with Tabasco, Not Ocean Acidification
  • PI(s): Rebecca Domangue, Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Foundation
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2024, 2025, 2026
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0005-T1-01
This project creates a research course for high school students focused on career development, ocean acidification science and stewardship...
Project Summary >

Related Publications

See publications produced by our funded projects for this Focus Area

Will Climate Change Alter the Swimming Behavior of Larval Stone Crabs?: A Guided-Inquiry Lesson
  • Abigail L. Smith, Jessyca LaBadie, Aly Busse, Emilie Solomon, Casie Farrell, Daniel M. Holstein, Zuo George Xue, Philip M. Gravinese
  • Current The Journal of Marine Education
  • December 11, 2024
  • Stone Crab
Citation: Smith, A. L., Jessyca LaBadie, Aly Busse, Emilie Solomon, Casie Farrell, Daniel M. Holstein, Zuo George Xue, Philip M. Gravinese. (2024). Will Climate Change Alter the Swimming Behavior of Larval Stone Crabs?: A Guided-Inquiry Lesson. Current The Journal of Marine Education, 39(2). https://doi.org/10.5334/cjme.117
Read Summary >
Calcification and organic production on a Hawaiian coral reef
  • K.E.F. Shamberger, R.A. Feely, C.L. Sabine, M.J. Atkinson, E.H. DeCarlo, F.T. Mackenzie, P.S. Drupp, D.A. Butterfield
  • Marine Chemistry
  • August 17, 2011
Citation: Shamberger, K. E. F., Feely, R. A., Sabine, C. L., Atkinson, M. J., DeCarlo, E. H., Mackenzie, F. T., Drupp, P. S., & Butterfield, D. A. (2011). Calcification and organic production on a Hawaiian coral reef. Marine Chemistry, 127(1-4), 64-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marchem.2011.08.003
Read Summary >
Sensitivity of atmospheric CO2 and climate to explosive volcanic eruptions
  • T. L. Frölicher, F. Joos, C. C. Raible
  • Biogeosciences
  • August 24, 2011
Citation: Frölicher, T. L., Joos, F., and Raible, C. C.: Sensitivity of atmospheric CO2 and climate to explosive volcanic eruptions, Biogeosciences, 8, 2317–2339, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-8-2317-2011, 2011.
Read Summary >

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

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