Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Ocean Acidification Program News

Seasonal Forecasts of Ocean Acidification in the Bering Sea

  • Uncategorized

NOAA PMEL Sustained Seasonal Forecasts of Ocean Acidification in the Bering Sea

Why we care
Alaskan ocean waters are highly vulnerable to ocean acidification (OA) due to the naturally cold, poorly buffered waters and ocean circulation patterns. This vulnerability means that a relatively small amount of anthropogenic CO2 can cause corrosivity in Alaskan waters on seasonal timeframes. Many of the subsistence and commercial fisheries in the Bering Sea are at risk due to direct and indirect effects of OA. Considering that the Bering Sea is home to 60% of U.S. fish catch by weight and supports nearly $3 billion in catch value annually, it is critically important to understand how OA may impact the entire Alaskan fishery sector.

What we will do
This project aims to expand model hindcast reforecasts (2017-2019) and continue model forecasts (2021-2023) for OA in the Bering Sea. The expanded hindcast will provide critical historical context for OA in the Bering Sea which is presently lacking. The added reforecasts will assess the viability of utilizing emerging observational datasets for validating future forecasts. This project will also lead to the development of an OA index for inclusion in the Ecosystem Status Report (ESR) and use ship-based survey data to provide a test of model forecast skill. This project will maintain stakeholder engagement to ensure that developed forecast products are informed by the needs identified for fisheries management and the broader Alaskan community.

Benefits of our work
Project outcomes will benefit an established group of stakeholders representing Alaskan subsistence and commercial fisheries sector and coastal communities. Collaboration between the project research team and stakeholder groups will play a pivotal role in developing new applications for this model output that can help address fisheries management needs. Results will be disseminated to fisheries managers and private stakeholders through the ESR and to Alaskan communities located near highly vulnerable regions.

Investigators
Darin Pilcher, University of Washington CICOES
Jessica Cross, NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL)

Share this post:

Related Posts

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

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