This is NOAA’s State of the Science Fact Sheet for Ocean Acidification, published in July 2022. NOAA manages a vibrant, cutting-edge science program that focuses on research with a high relevance to society. To assist the general public in understanding the state of the science, NOAA develops State of the Science Fact Sheets about key […]
State of the science fact sheet – ocean acidification (July 2022) Read More »
Students will use a Jenga-type game to learn about the marine food web and how small changes in the food web can have large effects on other organisms, connecting it to ocean acidification impacts. Produced 03/2022
Whale Jenga: A Food Web Game Read More »
Dr. Jan Newton is a biological oceanographer whose lifelong love of the Washington coast propelled her to an internationally recognized career. She shares her story, the importance of working together to address big challenges, and her vision for the future.
Changing Waters with Jan Newton Read More »
The California Current Acidification Network (C-CAN) originated from West Coast industry concerns regarding the impacts of ocean acidification on fisheries and hatcheries. Learn how a pivotal workshop led to essential collaborations between scientists and industry members to monitor and address the impacts of ocean acidification.
The Northeast Coastal Acidification Network (NECAN) coordinates scientists, industry members, and managers from Long Island Sound to Nova Scotia to address ocean acidification in the region. The network utilizes working groups for science, industry, and policy, and engages communities through events and local listening sessions to address regional priorities like ocean warming and pollution.
The Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN) brings together scientists, managers, and industry members to regionally address ocean acidification, which is exacerbated in their coastal waters by factors like freshwater runoff and nutrient pollution. MACAN’s activities focus on identifying monitoring gaps, developing solutions for affected industries and communicating science through public outreach events.
The Southeast Ocean and Coastal Acidification Network (SOCAN) was formed in 2015 to coordinate scientists, resource managers, and industry leaders in monitoring and researching ocean acidification across the Southeast’s diverse ecosystems. The network actively engages stakeholders to economic impacts of ocean acidification.
NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) and NCCOS have published the proceedings of the virtual Harmful Algal Blooms and Ocean Acidification Workshop in a NOAA Technical Memorandum (OAR-OAP-3). Over 70 scientists, managers and stakeholders met August 11-13, 2020 to identify needs and priorities to advance research on ocean acidification (OA) and harmful algal blooms (HABs) as co-stressors in coastal ecosystems.
Workshop Report Defines Agenda for Integrated Research on HABs and Ocean Acidification Read More »
Due to the natural capacity of cold water to absorb more carbon dioxide, Alaska’s marine ecosystems and vital $6 billion seafood industry are uniquely vulnerable to the damaging effects of ocean acidification. To address this, the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network coordinates collaborative monitoring and research efforts among scientists, tribal communities, and fishermen to inform adaptation
An international team of scientists aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown is conducting a comprehensive 47-day survey along the North American West Coast to measure ocean acidification and its effects on marine life. Learn how they are analyzing chemistry and biological samples to understand how changing ocean conditions are impacting ecosystems and to inform
British Columbia to Southern California: making headway with ocean change 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: