Date and time: Wednesday, 13 September 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CEST
Location: online
Ocean acidification (OA) is linked to environmental, economic, and societal losses in communities reliant on threatened ecosystems and fisheries. Alaskans are particularly vulnerable compared to lower latitudes, experiencing accelerated OA and higher dependencies on at-risk species for industry and subsistence. However, OA remains under-discussed and often misunderstood by many educators, industry workers, and community members.
To better engage with communities affected by OA, NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program, the OA Alliance, the Alaska OA Network, and the Aquarium Conservation Partnership collaborated to increase targeted OA communication in Alaska. Together, we created a public-friendly digital StoryMap detailing local impacts of and responses to OA that aquariums or educational centers can implement or promote. Similar StoryMaps are being designed for other regions and aquariums from the West Coast to the Gulf Coast to emphasize aspects of OA across the US. In fact, local aquarium or education center partners are working on increasing local engagement with the StoryMaps through different storytelling, design, and implementation choices.
Through these initiatives, we provide affected communities the ability to comprehend the regional impacts of OA and support local actions. As ocean change worsens OA, community-centric communication will be essential in ensuring regions reliant on healthy oceans are willing and able to work towards sustainable futures.
NOAA Ocean Acidification Program, 11 September 2023. More information and registration.
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