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Research Regions

Southeast Atlantic & Gulf

Research in the Southeast Atlantic and Gulf Region aims to improve monitoring of important ocean ecosystems from the ocean surface to the seafloor. Developing tools and metrics help communities that rely on industries such as recreation, tourism and aquaculture in the region. 

Improving monitoring to inform local communities and industries of the effects of OA

The Southeast Atlantic and Gulf Region encompasses continental shelf waters extending from the North Carolina to Florida coasts on the Atlantic seaboard and the marginal sea bounded by the U.S. Gulf Coast including the coastal areas of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. While these two regions experience different stress factors with regards to ocean acidification, they share similar needs with regards to local community engagement, active research and data availability.

The regional influence of the Northward flowing Gulf Stream and southward flowing Labrador Sea currents in the Southeast Atlantic dominates the biogeochemical signatures of coastal waters in this region. In contrast, the Gulf of America is strongly influenced by the loop current and riverine inputs, which contribute to eutrophication and hypoxia (low oxygen). Impacts to coral reefs and the recreational and commercial fishing industries and aquaculture, and potential prevalence and frequency of harmful algal blooms are some of the issues this region faces that are potentially affected by increasing acidification.

Moored Buoy off the Gulf of America
View FULL Research Plan (PDF)

Tracking progress of ocean acidification research in the Southeast Atlantic and Gulf Region

The Southeast Atlantic and Gulf Region encompasses continental shelf waters extending from the North Carolina to Florida coasts on the Atlantic seaboard and the marginal sea bounded by the U.S. Gulf Coast including the coastal areas of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas

The research goals in the Southeast Atlantic and Gulf Region are to:

  • Expand ocean acidification monitoring using both traditional and new autonomous technologies to observe critical regions, including the ocean sub-surface and bottom water layer, to better characterize regional processes and improve fundamental understanding
  • Characterize ecosystem impacts and adaptive potential of species, with an aim to identify indicator species that can be used for early detection of unfavorable ecosystem conditions
  • Use new knowledge to develop socioeconomic impact assessments of ocean acidification on recreation, tourism and aquaculture industries.

The following charts represent the mid-point progress in implementing research actions that focus on the Southeast Atlantic and Gulf Region according to the NOAA Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Acidification Research Plan.

NOAA invests in research and activities toward meeting goals that improve our ability to understand and predict environmental change, species and ecosystem to response to changing ocean chemistry, and the human impacts of these changes. The report card below summarizes progress over the past five years toward meeting these goals for the Southeast Atlantic and Gulf Region, measured by the number of major actions toward meeting this goal: good progress (4+ actions), some progress (1-3 actions) and no known progress.

Good overall progress

Some progress

No known progress

Environmental Change

There are 13 environmental change actions: seven have good overall progress and six have made some progress.

Biological Sensisitivity

There are 12 biological sensitivity actions: three have good overall progress, five have made some progress, and four have no known progress.

Human Dimensions

There are three human dimension actions: one has made some progress and two have no known progress.

Featured Research Projects

Environmental Change
Gliding Into the Future of Ocean Acidification Monitoring in the Gulf
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Biological Sensitivity
Using Environmental DNA to Understand Ocean Food Web Responses to Ocean Acidification ​
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Human Dimensions
Coastal Acidification Networks Increase Regional Capacity​
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Partners in Understanding Ocean Acidification in the Southeast Atlantic & Gulf Region

The Gulf of America Ocean Acidification Network (GCAN) is a collaboration between the Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association (GCOOS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Ocean Acidification Program (NOAA OAP), federal and state agency representatives, resource managers, industry partners and research scientists. The mission of GCAN is to identify critical vulnerabilities of the Gulf of America ecosystem that may be impacted by ocean acidification, foster collaborations to increase ocean observations, and develop strategies to mitigate impacts from ocean acidification.

Get Involved
GCAN - Gulf of America Coastal Acidification Network

The Southeast Ocean and Coastal Acidification Network (SOCAN) is a collaborative effort of the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA), in partnership with NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program (OAP),  that work with a network of scientists, resource managers, and industry, non-profit and government representatives. They facilitate conversations among regional stakeholders to share recent scientific, technical and socioeconomic information relevant to species and ecosystems that could be affected by acidification.

Get Involved
Southeast Ocean and Coastal Acidification Network Logo

OAP Funded Projects

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 >
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 >
Fisherman pulling up sugar kelp. Seaweed cultivation may be one avenue for marine carbon dioxide removal and mitigating ocean acidification. Credit: GreenWave/Ron Gautreau.
Carbon capture and ocean acidification mitigation potential by seaweed farms in tropical and subtropical coastal environments
  • PI(s): Andreas Andersson
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2023, 2024, 2025
  • Grant Award # NA23OAR0170512
This project will explore the carbon capture capacity and ocean acidification mitigation in three operational seaweed farms in Florida and Okinawa, Japan...
Project Summary >
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Latest Publications

Ocean acidification thresholds for decapods are unresolved
Citation: McElhany, P. a. S. B. (2024). Ocean acidification thresholds for decapods are unresolved. Front. Mar. Sci. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1449345
Read Summary >
Simultaneous onboard analysis of seawater dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and stable isotope ratio (δ13C-DIC)
Citation: Zhentao Sun, X. L., Zhangxian Ouyang, Charles Featherstone, Eliot A. Atekwana, Najid Hussain, Wei-Jun Cai. (2024). Simultaneous onboard analysis of seawater dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and stable isotope ratio (δ13C-DIC). Limnol Oceanogr: Methods. https://doi.org/doi: 10.1002/lom3.10642
Read Summary >
Climatological distribution of ocean acidification variables along the North American ocean margins
  • Li-Qing Jiang, Tim P. Boyer, Christopher R. Paver, Hyelim Yoo, James R. Reagan, Simone R. Alin, Leticia Barbero, Brendan R. Carter, Richard A. Feely, Rik Wanninkhof
  • Earth System Science Data
  • July 24, 2024
Citation: Jiang, L.-Q., Boyer, T. P., Paver, C. R., Yoo, H., Reagan, J. R., Alin, S. R., Barbero, L., Carter, B. R., Feely, R. A., and Wanninkhof, R.: Climatological distribution of ocean acidification variables along the North American ocean margins, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 16, 3383–3390, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-3383-2024, 2024.
Read Summary >
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Get involved with ocean acidification

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program exists to meet the ocean acidification research and monitoring needs of the U.S. See how you can get involved to serve your community and participate in cutting-edge research and education and outreach. 

Get involved

Gliding into the Future of Ocean Acidification monitoring in the Gulf

Waveglider on a boat ready to be deployed
Image credit: Liquid Robotics
Among the NOAA designated Large Marine Ecosystems, the Gulf of America remains poorly understood in terms of its current ocean acidification conditions, despite its ecological and economic significance. In the northwestern Gulf, decadal acidification has been observed in the shelf-slope region, with metabolic (biological) production of CO2 contributing to a large yet variable fraction along with the uptake of anthropogenic CO2. Furthermore, the observed rate of acidification in subsurface waters (10s of meters) is significantly greater than that in other tropical and subtropical areas. Whether the observed ocean acidification in this region represents a short-term phenomenon or a long-term trend is unknown. Researchers at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi used wave gliders, in-situ sensors, along with underway measurements from research vessels to measure carbonate chemistry in surface and subsurface shallow waters. They aimed to test if increasing atmospheric CO2, terrestrial nutrient export and enhanced upwelling will cause the continental shelf-slope region in the northwest Gulf to acidify faster than other tropical and subtropical seas. Modeling integrates the chemical signals into the models to hindcast and predict spatial and temporal variation of the ocean acidification signal to develop an optimized monitoring design for the region. More about this work supported by NOAA OAP

Assessing ocean acidification impacts to Dungeness crab

Dungeness crab in a crab hold
Image credit: Austin Trigg, NMFS

The Dungeness crab fishery is the most valuable on the U.S. West Coast. With demonstrated sensitivity to ocean acidification at early life stages, this ecologically and economically important crab and the communities that depend on the fishery may be at risk. This project further investigates the physical and developmental effects of ocean acidification and compares individuals from different populations. Findings helped assess differences in vulnerabilities in the region and build knowledge of the underlying variability necessary to craft an adaptive response to ocean acidification.

This project is supported by NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center and the Ocean Acidification Program.

More about this project

Coastal Acidification Networks Increase Regional Capacity

Map of the Southeast Atlantic and Gulf Regions displaying the GCAN and SOCAN logos

The Gulf of America Coastal Acidification Network (GCAN) and the Southeast Ocean and Coastal Acidification Network (SOCAN) have increased regional capacity by working across the five Gulf coastal states (TX, AL, LA, MS and western FL) and four southeast coastal states (eastern FL, GA, SC and NC) to develop collaborative relationships that build awareness and understanding of acidification; impacts on ecosystems and species; and potential socioeconomic risks and vulnerabilities. GCAN and SOCAN have provided leadership and coordination in the synthesis of regional scientific information, development of collaborative proposals, outreach and communication to communities and interested groups and people and identification of regional needs and priorities. GCAN and SOCAN are coordinated by the regional IOOS associations (GCOOS and SECOORA, respectively) with support from NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program.

Bioeconomic modeling to inform Alaska fisheries management

Fishing Dock in Juneau Alaska
Image credit: Allen Shimada, NOAA NMFS

Bioeconomic models are a multidisciplinary tool that use oceanography, fisheries science and social science to assess socioeconomic impacts. Funded by the Ocean Acidification Program, researchers at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center use a bioeconomic model to study the impacts of ocean acidification on Eastern Bering Sea crab, northern rock sole and Alaska cod. The goal is to predict how ocean acidification will affect abundance yields and income generated by the fisheries. This work informs the potential economic impacts of ocean acidification and future decision making and research planning.

More about this work

Effects of ocean acidification and temperature on Alaskan crabs

Red King Crab
Image credit: David Csepp, NMFS AKFSC ABL

Long-term declines of red king crab in Bristol Bay, Alaska may be partially attributed to ocean acidification conditions. These impacts may be partially responsible for the fishery closures during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons. Researchers found that ocean acidification negatively impacts Alaskan crabs generally by changing physiological processes, decreasing growth, increasing death rates and reducing shell thickness. Funded by the Ocean Acidification Program, scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center continue to investigate the responses of early life history stages and study the potential of various Alaska crabs to acclimate to changing conditions. Results will inform models that will use the parameters studied to predict the effects of future ocean acidification on the populations of red king crab in Bristol Bay as well as on the fisheries that depend on them. Fishery managers will better be able to anticipate and manage stocks if changing ocean chemistry affects stock productivity and thus the maximum sustainable yield.

More about this work

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