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NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program Research Region

Region: Florida Keys and Caribbean

Related Posts

See news related to this Research Region

Physiological feeding rates and cilia suppression in blue mussels (<em>Mytilus edulis</eM>) with increased levels of dissolved carbon dioxide

Gills of marine bivalves, the organs that mediate water flow for feeding and other physiological functions, are exposed to increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in seawater, in response to ocean acidification (OA). We examined the effects of elevated dissolved CO2 upon filtration and feeding behavior of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, under field conditions and in laboratory

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Evaluation of a New Carbon Dioxide System for Autonomous Surface Vehicles

The research evaluates a new Autonomous Surface Vehicle CO2 (ASVCO2) system designed to improve carbon measurement in the ocean, addressing gaps in current strategies that hinder understanding of the carbon biogeochemical cycle. Deployed from 2011 to 2018, the ASVCO2 systems demonstrated their capability for long-term oceanic deployment and accurate collection of air and seawater pCO2

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Carbonate chemistry seasonality in a tropical mangrove lagoon in La Parguera, Puerto Rico

We investigated the seasonal carbonate chemistry variability within a semi-enclosed tropical mangrove lagoon in southwestern Puerto Rico. Biweekly measurements of seawater temperature, salinity, total alkalinity (TA), and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were conducted from 2014 to 2018. We describe the possible mechanisms driving the observed variability by correlating the DIC/TA ratio with pH and Ωarg,

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Irradiance, photosynthesis and elevated pCO<sub>2</sub> effects on net calcification in tropical reef macroalgae

Calcifying tropical macroalgae produce sediment, build three-dimensional habitats, and provide substrate for invertebrate larvae on reefs. Thus, lower calcification rates under declining pH and increasing ocean pCO2, or ocean acidification, is a concern. In the present study, calcification rates were examined experimentally under predicted end-of-the-century seawater pCO2 (1116 μatm) and pH (7.67) compared to ambient controls (pCO2 409 μatm; pH 8.04).

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Ocean Acidification and Direct Interactions Affect Coral, Macroalga, and Sponge Growth in the Florida Keys

Coral reef community composition, function, and resilience have been altered by natural and anthropogenic stressors. Future anthropogenic ocean and coastal acidification (together termed “acidification”) may exacerbate this reef degradation. Accurately predicting reef resilience requires an understanding of not only direct impacts of acidification on marine organisms but also indirect effects on species interactions that influence

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Inorganic Carbon Transport and Dynamics in the Florida Straits

Ocean heat and carbon are transported through the Florida Straits, contributing to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and playing an important role in climate. Insufficient observations of carbonate chemistry within the Florida Straits have limited our understanding of ocean acidification within this region. To examine carbonate chemistry and carbon transport dynamics within this region, we

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Climatological distribution of ocean acidification variables along the North American ocean margins

Climatologies that depict mean fields of oceanographic variables on a regular geographic grid, and atlases play pivotal roles in comprehending the societal vulnerabilities linked to ocean acidification (OA). This significance is particularly pronounced in coastal regions where most economic activities occur. This work provides a comprehensive data product featuring 10 coastal ocean acidification climatologies and

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Inorganic Carbon Transport and Dynamics in the Florida Straits

Ocean heat and carbon are transported through the Florida Straits, contributing to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and playing an important role in climate. Insufficient observations of carbonate chemistry within the Florida Straits have limited our understanding of ocean acidification within this region. To examine carbonate chemistry and carbon transport dynamics within this region, we

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Related Projects

See our funded projects for this Focus Area

A large coral in American Samoa known as "Big Momma" Credit: NOAA Fisheries
This project provides new ocean acidification education to communities in American Samoa...
Secluded beach with tide pools and algae covered rock formations captured soon after sunrise, Half Moon Bay, California, USA. Credit: Jan Arendtsz (Flickr, CC)
This project provides a hands-on ocean and coastal acidification curriculum to students from coastal communities in Redwood City, California...
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) offers teacher professional development and ocean acidification science education to schools and local Tribes...
Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach, Oregon (2024). Credit: Kevin Crosby (Creative Commons)
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...
North Carolina seen from space from MODIS on NASA's Aqua satellite on June 30, 2022
This project delivers ocean acidification education in rural North Carolina schools...
Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Credit: NOAA Fisheries
This project creates a research course for high school students focused on career development, ocean acidification science and stewardship...

Related Publications

See publications produced by our funded projects for this Focus Area

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
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
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.

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

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