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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Ocean Acidification Resource

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Ocean Chemistry Coastal Community Vulnerability Assessment
Cover of the 2023 Ocean Chemistry Vulnerability Assessment report released by the Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology Committee on Environment

Assessment Presents Community Vulnerabilities to Acidification and Research Recommendations

The Ocean Chemistry Coastal Community Vulnerability Assessment, written by the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification responds to the Coordinated Ocean Observations and Research Act of 2020. The report is national in scope and describes social vulnerability to ocean acidification across seven regions. The report describes the communities and industries in each region that are reliant on marine species expected to be impacted by ocean acidification, as well as organizations that may support them in adapting to acidification. The report also points to monitoring and research gaps that need to be addressed for communities to better understand how acidification varies in their region and how species of interest will be impacted. Many stakeholders and researchers contributed input to this report, including the Coastal Acidification Networks.
Highlights:

  • Aquaculture industry, commercial and recreational fishing communities, Tribes, and subsistence fishers feature prominently in the report.
  • Recommendations for further social science research include: collecting and synthesizing additional socioeconomic data; developing social indicators relevant to acidification; and considering acidification in the context of other social stressors.
  • Common recommendations for improving monitoring include: increasing paired chemical and biological observations, monitoring in estuaries, and monitoring in subsurface and benthic surfaces, especially those that provide habitat to valuable species.
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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

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

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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