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Assessing Vulnerability to a Changing Ocean

Background image: A recreational fisher prepares to cast.

In certain areas of the US, marine resources and the communities that depend on them are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of ocean and coastal acidification along with other ocean changes. The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program recently awarded funding for three regional vulnerability assessment projects in the Chesapeake Bay, Northeast US and US West Coast. The projects bring together oceanographic, fisheries and aquaculture data and social science to assess vulnerability of dependent communities and industries, anticipate challenges they may face, and explore adaptations options.

Background Image: Elizabeth Gianes is preparing for observer training trip in Sandwich Harbor, Massachusetts. 

Assessing vulnerability of the Atlantic Sea Scallop social-ecological system in the northeast waters of the US

Research Team: Samantha Siedlecki (University of Connecticut), Lisa Colburn (NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center), Shannon Meseck (NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center), Deborah Hart (NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center), David Bethoney (Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation), Catherine Matassa (University of Connecticut), Enrique Curchitser (Rutgers University)

The Atlantic sea scallop fishery brings in more than $500 million per year, is the second highest fisheries revenue in the United States, and the largest wild scallop fishery in the world. The vulnerability and resilience of fishing communities like this to the effects of warming and ocean acidification is determined by their ability to adapt. Understanding just how dependent communities are on this valuable resource, along with the well-being and sustainability of the fishery are key to determining what adaptation and management solutions are best. To do this, the research team will be collaborating with sea scallop fishermen, related industry members, and managers to identify recommendations that will help navigate changes in the fishery that result from projected ocean acidification and temperature changes in the Northeast US.

Background Image: Scallop fishing boats at the Seaford, VA scallop dock.

Vulnerability of oyster aquaculture and restoration to ocean acidification and other co-stressors in the Chesapeake Bay

Research Team: Marjy Freidrichs (Virginia Institute of Marine Science ), Emily Rivest (Virginia Institute of Marine Science ), David Wrathall (Oregon State University), Mark Brush (Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Pierre St-Laurent (Virginia Institute of Marine Science ), Karen Hudson (Virginia Institute of Marine Science ), Bruce Vogt (NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office)

Oyster aquaculture and restoration aren’t new to the Chesapeake Bay, but how coastal acidification and its co-stressors will affect growers, watermen and coastal restoration managers is a question that has yet to be answered. Identifying where and when areas of the bay will move beyond critical thresholds for successful oyster growth along with where and when oyster stakeholders will abandon their ventures are key aspects of this work. The research team will explore how coastal acidification will affect both oyster farming and restoration efforts. With information on if and where it is wise to invest in growing oysters, those whose livelihoods are tied to healthy oysters and a healthy bay will be able to better plan for the future.

Background Image: Oyster reef construction on Virginia’s Lynnhaven River includes moving substrate from a barge into the water to form a reef.

Assessing Community Vulnerability to Ocean Acidification Across the California Current Ecosystem

Research Team: Ana K. Spalding (Oregon State University), Arielle Levine (San Diego State University), Tessa Hill (University of California Davis), Lida Teneva (Ocean Science Trust), Erika Wolters (Oregon State University), Justine Kimball (California Ocean Protection Council), Charlotte Whitefield (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)

Marine resource dependent communities along the West Coast have felt the consequences of a changing ocean. Yet the vulnerability of and capacity to adapt for those who are closely tied to marine resources and their economies are not clear. This capacity depends on community knowledge, networks, and practices, as well as institutional policies and strategies that support adaptation. The research team will assess how six coastal communities in Oregon and California are experiencing environmental vulnerability to ocean acidification and what they are doing to adapt to the impacts. They will also identify barriers to adaptation and coping strategies that can help inform policies to foster and support more resilient communities along the U.S. West Coast moving into the future.

Background Image: Oysters grow at a Washington oyster farm in “flip bags” at low tide. High tide submerges the bags and floats attached to each one raise them in the water column. 

You can learn more about these projects here:

Assessing vulnerability of the Atlantic Sea Scallop social-ecological system in the northeast waters of the US

Vulnerability of oyster aquaculture and restoration to ocean acidification and other co-stressors in the Chesapeake Bay

Assessing Community Vulnerability to Ocean Acidification Across the California Current Ecosystem

Stay tuned for a deeper dive into this research in the New Year!

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Background Image: View from the stern of a recreational fishing boat off the coast of Florida

Credits:

Title image: A recreational fisher prepares to cast. Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Image 1: Elizabeth Gianes is preparing for observer training trip in Sandwich Harbor, Massachusetts. Credit: NOAA Fisheries Image 2: Scallop fishing boats at the Seaford, VA scallop dock. Credit: Deborah Hart , NOAA Fisheries Image 3: Oyster reef construction on Virginia’s Lynnhaven River includes moving substrate from a barge into the water to form a reef. Credit: NOAA Fisheries. Image 4: Oysters grow at a Washington oyster farm in “flip bags” at low tide. High tide submerges the bags and floats attached to each one raise them in the water column. Credit: NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center. Image 5: View from the stern of a recreational fishing boat off the coast of Florida. Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Effects of ocean acidification and temperature on Alaskan crabs

Red King Crab
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.

More about this work

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