Catalyzing response to ocean and coastal acidification through collaboration and information sharing | oainfoexchange.org

The Ocean Acidification Information Exchange and its members advance understanding of ocean and coastal acidification through collaboration and information sharing to better prepare communities to respond and adapt to acidification

OVERVIEW: COASTAL WATERS ARE ACIDIFYING

Sharply increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is lowering the pH of the ocean. Hardest hit are coastal waters, where excess nutrients and freshwater from land exacerbate acidification of seawater. These processes are called ocean and coastal acidification.

EFFECTS ON MARINE LIFE

Ocean and coastal acidification poses a direct threat to oysters, clams, scallops, lobster, some fishes, and other types of marine life. Certain algae and other species may benefit from acidification. The ecosystem will likely change profoundly.

REGIONAL CONDITIONS

The oceanographic characteristics of the Northeast make this region prone to ocean and coastal acidification. In some hotspots, the seawater is so acidified that it corrodes shells of clams and other marine life.

Ocean and Coastal Acidification

When carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air is absorbed by seawater, chemical reactions occur that form carbonic acid. They also reduce the amount of dissolved calcium carbonate minerals, which are the building blocks for the skeletons and shells of many marine species. These chemical reactions are termed ocean acidification, or OA.

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How Does Coastal Acidification Affect Marine Life?

Seaweed and Seagrasses

Ecosystem

NECAN Monitoring Priorities in the Northeast Workshop Report

From November 1st to 3rd, NECAN hosted an “OA Monitoring Priorities in the Northeast” Workshop. This collaborative event brought together experts from across the NECAN region to discuss and establish priorities for ocean acidification (OA) monitoring. The workshop’s content was based on the 2023 NECAN webinar series.

The primary objective of the workshop was to set priorities that would guide the recommendations featured in the upcoming OA Monitoring Plan for the Northeast. We are pleased to report that the workshop successfully achieved its goals, with numerous clear priorities identified during discussions throughout the three days.

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NECAN Report on Ocean and Coastal Acidification

The Northeast Coastal Acidification Network (NECAN) published “Ocean and Coastal Acidification off New England and Nova Scotia” in the June 2015 Special Issue of Oceanography.

The article explains why the Northeast region is especially vulnerable to acidification, summarizes scientific findings about effects on marine life, and identifies research priorities. The information is based in part on a series of state-of-the-science webinars and workshops hosted by NECAN.
A four-page brochure is also available that summarizes key information from the article.

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