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Webstories

From Reefs to Resilience webstory

From reefs to resilience: researchers in Hawaiʻi combine science and society to tackle ocean acidification

In recognition of NOAA’s Corals Week, we highlight new research revealing the local scale vulnerability to ocean acidification in Hawai’i. By bringing together ocean modeling socioeconomic data, scientists identify areas of resilience and where adaptation strategies and capacity building may be most impactful.
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Two Atlantic sea callop fishing vessels docked in Seaford VA. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Dvora Hart

Scallop fishermen and researchers tackle changing seas together

Atlantic sea scallop fishermen face challenges with changing ocean conditions. Together with researchers , they confront potential effects of ocean acidification to keep fishing.
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Making Waves: Advancing OA Science, Service, and Sewardship with Sarah Cooley

Making Waves

Get to know the new director of the NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program, Sarah Cooley, and her vision for the program.
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cover for pretty in pink webstory

Pretty in Pink

Coral reefs in the Rose Atoll are doing well compared to other places in the Pacific Islands. Learn about how researchers find out what ocean conditions drive coral reef growth and the best ways to measure the effects of our changing ocean.
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Cover for sea to shell webstory

Building resilience to ocean acidification from sea to shell

Learn about how a combination of scientific monitoring, innovative technology, and community-led action is helping to build resilience in marine ecosystems and protect vital fisheries.
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Cover image for Jan Newton webstory

Changing Waters with Jan Newton

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.
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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
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