8.1. The current average pH of the ocean after being reduced significantly from decades of rampant carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere, and ultimately, absorbed by our ocean. But how is pH measured? If a citizen scientist wants to see this for themselves, is it possible? Measuring ocean pH typically requires expensive equipment and
In this webinar Erin Winslow, PhD candidate at the University of California Santa Barbara acknowledges that communicating ocean acidification is a challenge for scientists, researchers, educators, and professionals alike. Arguably one of the greatest obstacles to productive conversations about ocean acidification is the absence of clear, concise, and consistent messaging of complicated processes. Successful messaging can be
Activity Area 1 Dr. Osborne is a staff member of the Ocean Acidification Program and was a coordinating editor and lead author of the 2020 NOAA Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Research Plan. This presentation focuses on both the two decadal (2010 and 2020) NOAA research plans that guide acidification research across the agency. View
Dr. Feely is a senior scientist and project leader of the Ocean Carbon group within NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. He has worked closely with the OAP to carry out his research on carbon cycling and ocean acidification, specifically mechanisms controlling sources and sinks of anthropogenic CO2 in the oceans, and impacts of CO2 on
Dr. Gledhill is the Deputy Director of the OAP and has led the charge on developing the Program's Prospectus process and drafting. This presentation focuses on the OAP Prospectus, which is an internal strategy document that guides the Program's investments over 3-year funding cycles.
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Dr. Busch is an ecologist with NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program and Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, Washington. She staffs the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification, manages the Ocean Acidification Information Exchange, coordinates the Program's biological impacts research, and is the point person for the OAP's activities on the US West Coast. This presentation
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: