Highlights
- Policies are currently in place to support adaptive capacity of shellfish growers in California and Oregon.
- Both specific and broad policies pertaining to OA, and shellfish aquaculture, offer multiple places to develop greater adaptive capacity.
- Reducing institutional barriers to daily operations will help shellfish growers’ adaptation as more efforts can be directed to adaptive strategies.
- Continued and expanded communication between agencies, scientists and shellfish growers provide pathways to explore adaptation to OA.
Abstract
As ocean pH levels continue to decline due to increased absorption of atmospheric CO2, a process known as ocean acidification (OA), industries dependent on ocean resources must adapt to mitigate negative impacts of OA. Utilizing adaptive strategies identified by shellfish growers in prior, related research, we seek to explore and identify existing U.S. State and Federal policies that pertain to OA, how they might impact the ability for shellfish growers in California (CA) and Oregon (OR) adapt to OA, and where there are opportunities for policy expansion to improve their capacity to adapt to OA. Potential pathways linking adaptation needs with policy processes is discussed.
Wolters E. A., Ward M., Spalding A. K., Levine A., Green K. M., Hasert R., Regula-Whitefield C. M. & Johnson K. M., 2025. Shellfisheries’ adaptation to ocean acidification in OR and CA: linking strategies to strategic policy action. Marine Policy 171: 106484. doi: 10.1016/j.marpol.2024.106484. Article (subscription required).
