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Ocean Acidification Program News

Webinar: Coastal and Ocean Acidification Communication in Aquariums and Zoos

  • OA News, Webinars
A black rockfish with spotted yellow and gold swims down toward the bottom left corner. Other fish visible in the background. Dark rock and seaweeds in the scene.
A black rockfish swims in an exhibit at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Credit: NOAA Ocean Acidification Program

Join SOCAN and GCAN for webinar on OA in aquariums and zoos

The Southeast Ocean and Coastal Acidification Network (SOCAN) and the Gulf Coastal Acidification Network (GCAN) will host a webinar on September 24, 2025 at 12 PM ET. Tune in to learn about ocean acidification communication initiatives in zoos and aquariums. Featured speakers are Katie St. Clair (Texas A&M), Dr. Kristen Ranges (Mote Marine Lab) and Jamie Lynn Lankenau (Jacksonville Zoo).

Katie St. Clair: From Lab to Ocean: How Experimental Facilities Drive Marine Conservation Research

Katie is the Manager of the Sea Life Facility at Texas A&M University at Galveston. She oversees the facility’s research, training and outreach activities, providing expertise in life support system design, animal husbandry and water quality management. She obtained her M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University, where her research focused on stable isotope dynamics in cownose ray epidermal tissue, and her B.S. in Marine Biology and B.S. in Marine Fisheries from Texas A&M University at Galveston.

Jamie Lynn Lankenau: Building Resiliency in Northeast Florida through Climate Education at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Jamie is the Community Engagement Supervisor at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Jamie earned her master’s degree in Conservation Biology with a concentration on community education. She has served as an interpretive park ranger with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and informal educator prior to working at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. She has been with JZBG since 2020 and in that time has worked to grow the capacity for education as part of the Zoo’s educational programming.

Dr. Kristen Ranges

Dr. Kristen Ranges: Transforming Abstract Concepts into Applied Science Through Authentic Ocean Acidification Research

Dr. Kristen Ranges is the Education Manager at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Science Education Aquarium, where she develops and evaluates marine STEM curricula that strengthen student understanding and broaden perspectives on science and technology careers. She earned her JD from the University of Miami School of Law and PhD from the university’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Sciences. Her doctoral research investigated how oil exposure impacts the nervous system and behavior in zebrafish, with the goal of advancing the admissibility of animal model studies in toxic tort litigation.

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Effects of ocean acidification and temperature on Alaskan crabs

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Image credit: David Csepp, NMFS AKFSC ABL

Long-term declines of red king crab in Bristol Bay, Alaska may be partially attributed to ocean acidification conditions. These impacts may be partially responsible for the fishery closures during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons. Researchers found that ocean acidification negatively impacts Alaskan crabs generally by changing physiological processes, decreasing growth, increasing death rates and reducing shell thickness. Funded by the Ocean Acidification Program, scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center continue to investigate the responses of early life history stages and study the potential of various Alaska crabs to acclimate to changing conditions. Results will inform models that will use the parameters studied to predict the effects of future ocean acidification on the populations of red king crab in Bristol Bay as well as on the fisheries that depend on them. Fishery managers will better be able to anticipate and manage stocks if changing ocean chemistry affects stock productivity and thus the maximum sustainable yield.

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Forecasts for Alaska Fisheries

Crab pots and fishing nets in Alaska's Dutch Harbor
Image credit: Michael Theberge

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.

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

Closeup of oysters cupped in someone's hands

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