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NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program Research Region

Region: Alaska & Arctic

Related Posts

See news related to this Research Region

How Can Present and Future Satellite Missions Support Scientific Studies that Address Ocean Acidification?

Space-based observations offer unique capabilities for studying spatial and temporal dynamics of the upper ocean inorganic carbon cycle and, in turn, supporting research tied to ocean acidification (OA). Satellite sensors measuring sea surface temperature, color, salinity, wind, waves, currents, and sea level enable a fuller understanding of a range of physical, chemical, and biological phenomena

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January 2, 2025

Ocean Acidification in the Surface Waters of the Pacific-Arctic Boundary Regions

The continental shelves of the Pacific-Arctic Region (PAR) are especially vulnerable to the effects of ocean acidification (OA) because the intrusion of anthropogenic CO2 is not the only process that can reduce pH and carbonate mineral saturation states for aragonite (Ωarag). Enhanced sea ice melt, respiration of organic matter, upwelling, and riverine inputs have been

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January 2, 2025

Ocean acidification risk assessment for Alaska’s fishery sector

The highly productive fisheries of Alaska are located in seas projected to experience strong global change, including rapid transitions in temperature and ocean acidification-driven changes in pH and other chemical parameters. Many of the marine organisms that are most intensely affected by ocean acidification (OA) contribute substantially to the state’s commercial fisheries and traditional subsistence

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January 2, 2025

Effects of CO2 on growth rate, C:N:P, and fatty acid composition of seven marine phytoplankton species

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary substrate for photosynthesis by the phytoplankton that form the base of the marine food web and mediate biogeochemical cycling of C and nutrient elements. Specific growth rate and elemental composition (C:N:P) were characterized for 7 cosmopolitan coastal and oceanic phytoplankton species (5 diatoms and 2 chlorophytes) using low density,

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January 2, 2025

Seasonal variations in the aragonite saturation state in the upper open-ocean waters of the North Pacific Ocean

Seasonal variability of the aragonite saturation state (ΩAR) in the upper (50 m and 100 m depths) North Pacific Ocean (NPO) was investigated using multiple linear regression (MLR). The MLR algorithm derived from a high-quality carbon data set accurately predicted the ΩAR of evaluation data sets (three time series stations and P02 section) with acceptable uncertainty (<0.1 ΩAR). The

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January 2, 2025

A metadata template for ocean acidification data

This paper defines the best practices for documenting ocean acidification (OA) data and presents a framework for an OA metadata template. Metadata is structured information that describes and locates an information resource. It is the key to ensuring that a data set will be accessible into the future. With the rapid expansion of studies on

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January 2, 2025

Climatological distribution of aragonite saturation state in the global oceans

Aragonite saturation state (Ωarag) in surface and subsurface waters of the global oceans was calculated from up-to-date (through the year of 2012) ocean station dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA) data. Surface Ωarag in the open ocean was always supersaturated (Ω > 1), ranging between 1.1 and 4.2. It was above 2.0 (2.0–4.2) between 40°N and

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January 2, 2025

An updated synthesis of the observed and projected impacts of climate change on the chemical, physical and biological processes in the oceans

The 5th Assessment Report (AR5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states with very high certainty that anthropogenic emissions have caused measurable changes in the physical ocean environment. These changes are summarized with special focus on those that are predicted to have the strongest, most direct effects on ocean biological processes; namely, ocean

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January 2, 2025

Contrasting futures for ocean and society from different anthropogenic CO<sub>2</sub> emissions scenarios

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions directly affect atmospheric chemistry but also have a strong influence on the oceans. Gattuso et al. review how the physics, chemistry, and ecology of the oceans might be affected based on two CO2 emission trajectories: one business as usual and one with aggressive reductions. Ocean warming, acidification, sea-level rise, and the expansion of oxygen minimum zones

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December 31, 2024

Understanding, Characterizing, and Communicating Responses to Ocean Acidification: Challenges and Uncertainties

Over the past decade, ocean acidification (OA) has emerged as a major concern in ocean science. The field of OA is based on certainties—uptake of carbon dioxide into the global ocean alters its carbon chemistry, and many marine organisms, especially calcifiers, are sensitive to this change. However, the field must accommodate uncertainties about the seriousness

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December 31, 2024

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