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NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program Research Region

Region: Mid-Atlantic

Related Posts

See news related to this Research Region

Chesapeake Bay acidification buffered by spatially decoupled carbonate mineral cycling

Uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere has acidified the ocean and threatened the health of marine organisms and their ecosystems. In coastal waters, acidification is often enhanced by CO2 and acids produced under high rates of biological respiration. However, less is known about buffering processes that counter coastal acidification in eutrophic and seasonally

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June 26, 2024

Understanding Anthropogenic Impacts on pH and Aragonite Saturation State in Chesapeake Bay: Insights From a 30-Year Model Study

Ocean acidification (OA) is often defined as the gradual decline in pH and aragonite saturation state (ΩAr) for open ocean waters as a result of increasing atmospheric pCO2. Potential long-term trends in pH and ΩAr in estuarine environments are often obscured by a variety of other factors, including changes in watershed land use and associated riverine carbonate

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June 25, 2024

Discerning effects of warming, sea level rise and nutrient management on long-term hypoxia trends in Chesapeake Bay

Analyses of dissolved oxygen concentration in Chesapeake Bay over the past three decades suggested seasonally-dependent changes in hypoxic volume and an earlier end of hypoxic conditions. While these studies hypothesized and evaluated multiple potential driving mechanisms, quantitative evidence for the relative effects of various drivers has yet to be presented. In this study, a coupled

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June 25, 2024

Effects of Wind-Driven Lateral Upwelling on Estuarine Carbonate Chemistry

Estuaries are productive ecosystems that support extensive vertebrate and invertebrate communities, but some have suffered from an accelerated pace of acidification in their bottom waters. A major challenge in the study of estuarine acidification is strong temporal and spatial variability of carbonate chemistry resulting from a wide array of physical forces such as winds, tides

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June 25, 2024

Seasonal and spatial variability in surface <em>p</em>CO<sub>2</sub> and air–water CO<sub>2</sub> flux in the Chesapeake Bay

Interactions between riverine inputs, internal cycling, and oceanic exchange result in dynamic variations in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in large estuaries. Here, we report the first bay-wide, annual-scale observations of surface pCO2 and air–water CO2 flux along the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay, revealing large annual variations in pCO2 (43–3408 μatm) and a spatial-dependence of pCO2 on internal and

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June 24, 2024

Effects of Wind Straining on Estuarine Stratification: A Combined Observational and Modeling Study

A combined observational and numerical modeling study was conducted to clarify the effects of wind straining on estuarine stratification. Long-term mooring observations in the middle of Chesapeake Bay showed an asymmetric stratification response to along-channel winds. The stratification decreased under up-estuary winds. Under down-estuary winds, however, the stratification increased at moderate wind speeds but decreased

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June 24, 2024

Ecosystem Metabolism and Carbon Balance in Chesapeake Bay: A 30-Year Analysis Using a Coupled Hydrodynamic-Biogeochemical Model

The carbon cycle in estuarine environments is difficult to quantify because of substantial spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the sources, exchanges, and fates of carbon. We overcame these challenges with a multidecade numerical modeling analysis of seasonal, interannual, and decadal variability in net ecosystem metabolism (NEM) and associated carbon fluxes in Chesapeake Bay. Interannual variability in NEM

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June 24, 2024

Modeling Impacts of Nutrient Loading, Warming, and Boundary Exchanges on Hypoxia and Metabolism in a Shallow Estuarine Ecosystem

We sought to investigate the impacts of nutrient loading, warming, and open-water boundary exchanges on a shallow estuary through idealized numerical model experiments. We performed these simulations using a stand-alone implementation of the Regional Ocean Modeling System-Row-Column AESOP biogeochemical model in the Chester River estuary, a tributary estuary within the Chesapeake Bay estuarine complex. We

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June 24, 2024

Characterizing Mean and Extreme Diurnal Variability of Ocean CO<sub>2</sub> System Variables Across Marine Environments

Diurnal variability of ocean CO2 system variables is poorly constrained. Here, this variability and its drivers are assessed using 3-h observations collected over 8–140 months at 37 stations located in diverse marine environments. Extreme diurnal variability, that is, when the daily amplitude exceeds the 99th percentile of diurnal variability, is comparable in magnitude to the seasonal amplitude and

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June 24, 2024

Energetic response of Atlantic surfclam <em>Spisula solidissima</em> to ocean acidification

In this study, we assessed the Atlantic surfclam (Spisula solidissima) energy budget under different ocean acidification conditions (OA). During 12 weeks, 126 individuals were maintained at three different ρCO2 concentrations. Every two weeks, individuals were sampled for physiological measurements and scope for growth (SFG). In the high ρCO2 treatment, clearance rate decreased and excretion rate increased relative to

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June 21, 2024

Related Projects

See our funded projects for this Focus Area

A full view of a sea scallop sitting on top of a pile of sea scallops shells.
Enhancing the adaptive capacity of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery
  • PI(s): Samantha Siedlecki, University of Connecticut; Shannon Meseck, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service; Robert Murphy Jr, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017C0010-T1-01
This project will enhance the adaptive capacity of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery to ocean acidification and ocean change...
Project Summary >
A satellite map of the Chesapeake Bay region. The waterways are color coded to show degrees of alkalinity, with the general trend of higher alkalinity upriver and lower alkalinity toward the ocean.
OA adaptation strategies for shellfish aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay
  • PI(s): Emily Rivest, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0008-T1-01
This project produces a dashboard for Chesapeake Bay users to assist with adaptive strategies for ocean and coastal acidification...
Project Summary >
Satellite view of the Mississippi River plume in the Gulf of America. You can see sediment discharging into the Gulf. Credit: NASA
Assessing ocean and coastal acidification resilience in Louisiana
  • PI(s): Robert Iles, Louisiana State University
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2025, 2026, 2027
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0012-T1-01
This work will assess the economic and community impacts of ocean and coastal acidification within coastal Louisiana to assist adaptive planning...
Project Summary >
Intertidal marine life including Pisaster sea stars and mussles, partially submerged on a rock.
Developing tools for resiliency planning in Southeast Alaska
  • PI(s): Hekia Bodwitch (University of Alaska Southeast), Davin Holen (Alaska Sea Grant and University of Alaska, Fairbanks), Kari Lanphier (Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research Consortium)
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0010-T1-01
This project provides tools communities and decision makers in Southeast Alaska can use for assessing vulnerability and resilience to ocean acidification and inform adaptive strategies...
Project Summary >
Sunrise on a coastal town in Maine
Advancing resilience of Maine’s shellfisheries
  • PI(s): Katherine Mills, Gulf of Maine Research Institute; Jared Wildwistle, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2025, 2026, 2027
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0019-T1-01
This project assesses the potential risk to the shellfish industry from changing ocean chemistry and is a critical step in advancing resilience in Maine’s shellfisheries...
Project Summary >
Ruby beach as seen from a lookout, there are high cliffs in the foreground with partially submerged large and small rocks in the water behind them. Sky is dusky and cloudy.
Tools informing ocean change planning for Tribal managers in coastal Washington
  • PI(s): Jan Newton, University of Washington
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2025, 2026, 2027
  • Grant Award # NA25OARX017G0016-T1-01
This project provides practical information and products to support adaptation planning for coastal tribes in Washington...
Project Summary >

Related Publications

See publications produced by our funded projects for this Focus Area

Modeling the spatiotemporal effects of ocean acidification and warming on Atlantic sea scallop growth to guide adaptive fisheries management
  • Halle M. Berger, Samantha A. Siedlecki, Shannon L. Meseck, Emilien Pousse, Deborah R. Hart, Felipe Soares, Antonie Chute, Catherine M. Matassa
  • Ecological Modelling
  • December 13, 2025
Citation: Halle M. Berger, Samantha A. Siedlecki, Shannon L. Meseck, Emilien Pousse, Deborah R. Hart, Felipe Soares, Antonie Chute, Catherine M. Matassa, Modeling the spatiotemporal effects of ocean acidification and warming on Atlantic sea scallop growth to guide adaptive fisheries management, Ecological Modelling, Volume 513, 2026, 111434, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2025.111434.
Read Summary >
Mothers know best: Maternal signaling boosts larval resilience under ocean acidification conditions
  • Emma Timmins-Schiffman, Larken Root, Ryan Crim, Mollie A. Middleton, Megan M. Ewing, Jacob Winnikoff, Gracelyn Ham, Giles Goetz, Steven Roberts, Mackenzie R. Gavery
  • Aquaculture
  • February 1, 2026
Citation: Timmins-Schiffman, E., Root, L., Crim, R., Middleton, M. A., Ewing, M. M., Winnikoff, J., Ham, G., Goetz, G., Roberts, S., & Gavery, M. (2026). Mothers know best: Maternal signaling boosts larval resilience under ocean acidification conditions. Aquaculture. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.743388
Read Summary >
Assessment framework to predict sensitivity of marine calcifiers to ocean alkalinity enhancement – identification of biological thresholds and importance of precautionary principle
  • Nina Bednaršek, Hanna van de Mortel, Greg Pelletier, Marisol García-Reyes, Richard A. Feely, Andrew G. Dickson
  • Biogeosciences
  • January 28, 2025
Citation: Bednaršek, N., van de Mortel, H., Pelletier, G., García-Reyes, M., Feely, R. A., and Dickson, A. G.: Assessment framework to predict sensitivity of marine calcifiers to ocean alkalinity enhancement – identification of biological thresholds and importance of precautionary principle, Biogeosciences, 22, 473–498, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-473-2025, 2025.
Read Summary >

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