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.

Multidisciplinary research team investigates how shellfish-reliant coastal communities in Oregon and California perceive and respond to ocean acidification

Background image: Oceanfront community in Neskowin, Oregon

A collaborative team of scientists are investigating how shellfish-reliant coastal communities in Oregon and California perceive and respond to the effects of ocean acidification.

Together, researchers from Oregon State University, San Diego State University, University of California-Davis, and the California Ocean Science Trust are working together to understand coastal communities’ abilities to adapt to ocean acidification. With support from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Ocean Acidification Program, this three-year project will document spatial trends in ocean acidification, identify factors that might enhance adaptive capacity, and explore how gaps in policy and resources may make communities along the Oregon and California coast vulnerable to the impacts of ocean acidification.

As early as 2007, ocean acidification has impacted fisheries and shellfish aquaculture farms along the U.S. West Coast. At this same time, the Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery in Netarts Bay, Oregon, experienced a mass oyster larvae die-off. Afterwards, scientists along the West Coast have worked with shellfish industry members to understand how seafood sustainability is impacted by ocean acidification and other environmental stressors. Ocean acidification can greatly impact these resource-dependent industries and the communities that rely on them.

Background Image: Avery Resor and Catherine O’Hare check on the health of their Gracilaria crop, growing attached to a long line of rope submerged at Hog Island Oyster Farm

However, exactly how people perceive this threat to their livelihood and communities, as well as their capacity to adapt in the future, is not well understood.

Ana K. Spalding, an Assistant Professor of Marine and Coastal Policy at Oregon State University (OSU), and Arielle Levine, Professor of Geography at San Diego State University (SDSU), with support from Erika Wolters (OSU) and SDSU postdoc, Melissa Ward, are co-leading efforts to understand how coastal communities perceive and respond to ocean acidification and how policies can support adaptation efforts.

“When we talk about coastal vulnerability, I am super interested in what the data does not tell us about what people are actually doing to respond to the threat,” Spalding said. Spalding and her team at OSU along with Levine and her team at SDSU will interview shellfish-reliant communities along the California and Oregon coasts to understand how they experience and adapt to environmental changes.

Background Image: Oyster plated and ready to enjoy

Tessa Hill, Professor in the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences and Bodega Marine Laboratory at the University of California-Davis will conduct a data synthesis to show the potential biophysical conditions that make communities along the West Coast vulnerable. “We are very interested in integrating knowledge of where the oceanographic and ecological conditions exist that are a threat to human communities along the coast,” said Hill. Hill’s work builds upon interdisciplinary work with colleagues on ocean acidification impacts on the U.S. West Coast, supported by the Lenfest Ocean Program and California Ocean Protection Council. Outcomes of the oceanographic data synthesis will be used to inform the selection of vulnerable communities along the Oregon and California coasts, where interviews will be conducted.

The selection of coastal communities will also be based upon NOAA Ocean Acidification Program’s previously funded work by Dr. David Wrathall and advice from an advisory board made up of stakeholders from tribal, industrial, and policy and management representatives.

“This project builds on the foundation of over a decade of ocean acidification research on the West Coast of the US. That depth and breadth of knowledge allows for this project to reach the human domain to understand what policies are helping adaptation and what policies, if any, are creating a barrier,” says Erica Ombres, NOAA Ocean Acidification Program Manager.

Background Image: Aquaculuture set up off of California Coast 

In addition to input from models and a diverse group of representatives, Levine brings years of marine social science experience to understand how coastal communities respond and adapt to change, which will inform site selection, the interview process, and the policy analysis. The policy analysis is co-led by Spalding, Levine, Erika Wolters (Assistant Professor of Public Policy at OSU), and their team to create a database of existing ocean acidification-related policies and identify how these policies support or hinder coastal communities’ ability to adapt to environmental changes.

“Oceans and coasts are dynamic environments, and we know that communities that depend on marine resources are continually adapting to changing conditions. Through this project, we hope to better understand in what way this adaptive ability can be applied to new challenges due to ocean acidification, as well as identify policy paths that can enhance communities’ ability to adapt to changes in the future,” Levine said.

“It’s making that link of what are people doing to adapt to ocean acidification and asking are regulations sufficient, or do we need to broaden the scope a little bit?” Spalding said.

Background Image: Oregon coastal community

Further support on the project will come from California Ocean Science Trust (OST) members Dominique Kone and Lida Teneva. Given the expertise of OST members, they will serve as a supporting role in the project’s policy portion.

“We have a great opportunity to not only produce much-needed science, but to also bring decision-makers and interested groups to the table to help us make this work really targeted and meet the need at hand,” said Kone.

Kone and Teneva will also ensure communication between tribal, industry, academic, and policy representatives to gain broad input into the research and its application. Additionally, they will focus on engaging with other research related to adaptation to ocean acidification to create a network where people with similar research projects can continue to collaborate.

An exciting aspect of the project is “learning all of the creative ways these shellfish farmers adapt, reason, and connect,” Spalding said. “This project contributes to something bigger with so many moving parts. From all the moving parts, we hope to get at the core of what, why, how people are responding to ocean acidification and uncover policies that can be more effective for their ability to adapt.”

Background Image: Canoes preparing to launch for Tribal Journey off of Oregon’s Olympic Coast

Credits:

Title image: Oceanfront community in Neskowin, Oregon. Credit: Steven Dundas, Oregon State University Image 1: Avery Resor and Catherine O’Hare check on the health of their Gracilaria crop, growing attached to a long line of rope submerged at Hog Island Oyster Farm. Credit: Shaun Wolfe Image 2: Oyster plated and ready to enjoy Credit: Melissa Ward, San Diego State University Image 3: Aquaculture set up off of California Coast Credit: Melissa Ward, San Diego State University Image 4: Oregon Coastal Community Credit: Oregon State University Image 5: Canoes preparing to launch for Tribal Journey off of Oregon’s Olympic Coast Credit: NOAA

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