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NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program Research Region

Region: Open Ocean

Related Posts

See news related to this Research Region

Ocean carbonate system computation for anoxic waters using an updated CO2SYS program

In anoxic/hypoxic waters, the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) influences results of the computation of parameters in the ocean carbonate system. To evaluate their influences, H2S and NH3 contributions to total alkalinity are added to CO2SYS, which is a most often used publicly available software package that calculates oceanic carbonate parameters. We discuss how these two

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December 20, 2024

Data weighting for tagging data in integrated size-structured models

Increasingly, stock assessments for hard-to-age species such as crabs, prawns, rock lobsters, and abalone are being based on integrated size-structured population dynamics models that are fit to a variety of data sources. These data sources include tagging data to inform growth. Diagnostic statistics and plots have been developed to explore how well integrated population models

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December 20, 2024

Global Observational Needs and Resources for Marine Biodiversity

The diversity of life in the sea is critical to the health of ocean ecosystems that support living resources and therefore essential to the economic, nutritional, recreational, and health needs of billions of people. Yet there is evidence that the biodiversity of many marine habitats is being altered in response to a changing climate and

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December 17, 2024

Site-Specific Multiple Stressor Assessments Based on High Frequency Surface Observations and an Earth System Model

Global Earth system models are often enlisted to assess the impacts of climate variability and change on marine ecosystems. In this study, we compare high frequency (daily) outputs of potential ecosystem stressors, such as sea surface temperature and surface pH, and associated variables from an Earth system model (GFDL ESM4.1) with high frequency time series

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December 17, 2024

Future Ocean Observations to Connect Climate, Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems

Advances in ocean observing technologies and modeling provide the capacity to revolutionize the management of living marine resources. While traditional fisheries management approaches like single-species stock assessments are still common, a global effort is underway to adopt ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approaches. These approaches consider changes in the physical environment and interactions between ecosystem elements,

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December 10, 2024

Constraining the Oceanic Uptake and Fluxes of Greenhouse Gases by Building an Ocean Network of Certified Stations: The Ocean Component of the Integrated Carbon Observation System, ICOS-Oceans

The European Research Infrastructure Consortium “Integrated Carbon Observation System” (ICOS) aims at delivering high quality greenhouse gas (GHG) observations and derived data products (e.g., regional GHG-flux maps) for constraining the GHG balance on a European level, on a sustained long-term basis. The marine domain (ICOS-Oceans) currently consists of 11 Ship of Opportunity lines (SOOP –

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December 10, 2024

Autonomous seawater <em>p</em>CO<sub>2</sub> and pH time series from 40 surface buoys and the emergence of anthropogenic trends

Ship-based time series, some now approaching over 3 decades long, are critical climate records that have dramatically improved our ability to characterize natural and anthropogenic drivers of ocean carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake and biogeochemical processes. Advancements in autonomous marine carbon sensors and technologies over the last 2 decades have led to the expansion of observations at fixed

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December 10, 2024

Carbon cycling in the North American coastal ocean: a synthesis

A quantification of carbon fluxes in the coastal ocean and across its boundaries with the atmosphere, land, and the open ocean is important for assessing the current state and projecting future trends in ocean carbon uptake and coastal ocean acidification, but this is currently a missing component of global carbon budgeting. This synthesis reviews recent

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December 3, 2024

Subsurface automated samplers (SAS) for ocean acidification research

Ocean acidification (OA) is the process whereby anthropogenic carbon dioxide is absorbed into seawater, resulting in altered carbonate chemistry and a decline in pH. OA will negatively impact numerous marine organisms, altering the structure and function of entire ecosystems. The progression of OA, while faster than has occurred in recent geological history, has been subtle

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November 25, 2024

The challenges of detecting and attributing ocean acidification impacts on marine ecosystems

A substantial body of research now exists demonstrating sensitivities of marine organisms to ocean acidification (OA) in laboratory settings. However, corresponding in situ observations of marine species or ecosystem changes that can be unequivocally attributed to anthropogenic OA are limited. Challenges remain in detecting and attributing OA effects in nature, in part because multiple environmental changes are

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November 7, 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.
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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.
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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