Raphe Kudela of University of California Santa Cruz shares how the US west coast is experiencing increasing environmental stress, as are all coastal regions globally. Unlike some other regions, eastern boundary currents naturally experience large swings in pH and decadal oscillations in temperature, making the west coast an ideal location for observing the interactive effects
Dr. Chris Gobler discusses how harmful blooms and ocean acidification have emerged as two expanding threats to coastal ecosystems. Regardless of how acidification affects HABs, it is a clear environmental threat to a suite of calcifying invertebrates as well as other marine organisms including early life stage fish. While HABs and acidification co-occur on coastal
The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Acidification Network (GCAN) proudly presents Julianna Mullen, the Community Manager of the Ocean Acidification Information Exchange (OAIE). The OAIE is an online community for professionals involved with or interested in ocean and coastal acidification. Ms. Mullen will give an overview of the website, explain how individuals can join, and discuss
During this presentation Amy Dean of NOAA's Data in the Classroom and Kari St. Laurent of the Delaware National Estuariene Research Reserve walk though the science of ocean and coastal acidification along with how to use NOAA's new ocean acidification Data in the Classroom module.
Watch the recording here!
This virtual seminar will explore how calcium carbonate shells and shelly habitats are increasingly recognized as potential mitigation approaches for localized acidification effects, yet very little is known about the alkalinity and geochemical properties of intact oyster reefs. This research team collected cores of restored oyster reefs in Harris Creek, MD and measured alkalinity fluxes
The technology used to observe ocean acidification – the shift in ocean chemistry driven by an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities – has followed the same trend of innovation and scaling as computer technology. Measuring ocean chemistry traditionally involves
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: