Ocean acidification (OA) occurs when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere like sponge. This causes a fundamental and global change in the chemistry of the ocean. Learn all about ocean acidification, it’s causes, consequences and solutions straight from NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program.
What is Ocean Acidification? Read More »
The Biological Impacts Graphics from MACAN show conditions where negative impacts have been observed and potentially lethal conditions for Mid-Atlantic species. These graphics explore how species are impacted by the natural differences in pH and aragonite saturation values across different coastal and marine habitats.
MACAN Biological Impacts Graphics Read More »
The OA Cruise Science Priority Guidance for fiscal years 2026-2029 outlines a standardized framework for OAP survey cruises to ensure consistent high-quality data collection across the East Coast (ECOA), West Coast (WCOA), and Gulf regions (GOMECC).
OA Cruise Science Priority Guidance Read More »
The Northeast Coastal Acidification Network (NECAN) report presents monitoring needs and opportunities for consideration by coastal managers, decision makers, researchers, and monitoring groups. It offers options to apply new capacity or funding to the expansion of OCA monitoring in the NECAN region. The report identifies highly-rated, specific actions that will improve both:
NECAN – 2025 Ocean and Coastal Acidification Monitoring Priorities Read More »
View this fact sheet about investigating ocean acidification along California’s coasts produced by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (June 2025).
Investigating the Trajectory of Ocean Acidification in California Read More »
The OA Alliance has partnered with LUMA Storytelling to create a short film featuring OA Alliance members’ stories and experiences tackling ocean acidification and ocean change.
Time for OA Action – a short film Read More »
This report shares the mid-point status of the NOAA Oceans, Coastal and Great Lakes Acidification Research Plan.
NOAA OAP hosted Jaime Palter (URI) to discuss progress on MRV, including a review of a recent Ocean Carbon & Biogeochemistry workshop on the topic.
NOAA OAP hosted Betsy Valente (EPA) and Martin Mayer (US Army Corps), along with a panel of research partners, to discuss permitting pathways and challenges for marine carbon dioxide removal research.
2024 NOPP mCDR Meeting: Permitting Panel Read More »
NOAA OAP hosted Brendan Carter (NOAA PMEL), Liqing Jiang (NOAA NCEI), and Tyler Kukla (CarbonPlan) to discuss all things data management for the growing field of mCDR.
2024 NOPP mCDR Meeting: Data Management Panel Read More »
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.
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:
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
Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes
Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally
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.
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
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
Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats
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: