The First Global Integrated Marine Assessment, also known as the “World Ocean Assessment I” is the result of the work invested by hundreds of scientists from many countries, representing various disciplines and steered by a 22-member Group of Experts. This expert task force examined the state of knowledge of the world’s oceans and the ways in which humans benefit from and affect them. Their findings indicate that the oceans’ carrying capacity is near or at its limit. It is clear that urgent action on a global scale is needed to protect the world’s oceans from the many pressures they face.
The issue of ocean acidification is addressed throughout the entire report, but is discussed more thoroughly in the following chapters:
- Chapter 5 starts from the perspective of the sea/air interactions, carbon dioxide fluxes and the ocean’s buffering capacity, and transits to the potential biological and socio-economic impacts of ocean acidification;
- Chapter 7 discusses the carbonate chemistry system in seawater with all the underlying processes, and considers the possible effect of OA on the biogenic production of carbonate;
- Chapter 43 addresses ocean acidification as one of the major threats to the tropical and sub-tropical coral reefs ecosystems.
The first World Ocean Assessment provides an important scientific basis for the consideration of ocean issues by Governments, intergovernmental processes, and all policy-makers and others involved in ocean affairs. The Assessment reinforces the science-policy interface and establishes the basis for future assessments. Together with future assessments and related initiatives, it will help in the implementation of the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly its ocean-related goals.
OA is also listed as one of the primary threats to cold-water corals in Chapter 42: http://www.un.org/depts/los/global_reporting/WOA_RPROC/Chapter_42.pdf