The Pacific Islands Ocean Acidification Centre hosted its second collective regional training on ocean acidification. The event not only enhanced the scientific skills of Pacific researchers but also strengthened a regional network dedicated to understanding and mitigating the growing impacts of ocean acidification across the Pacific.
The impact of ocean acidification on the balance of ocean ecosystems
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said several times that ocean acidification is one of the most serious but often overlooked effects of growing levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air.
The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) says that the ocean has absorbed over 30% of human-caused CO₂ emissions and more than 90% of the extra heat from global warming. Now, a new report from the Planetary Boundaries Science Lab reveals that seven out of nine planetary boundaries have been breached, with ocean acidification officially entering the danger zone.
The combined effects of warming and acidification are very harmful to marine species and to societies that depend on healthy ocean ecosystems. This is especially true in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like those in the Pacific. Coral reefs that are deteriorating are harmful to fisheries and coastal protection, and the loss of marine biodiversity could jeopardise the tourist economy.
Understanding, monitoring, and responding to these changes is therefore not just a scientific need; it is a matter of survival for many island communities.
The Pacific Islands Ocean Acidification Centre (PIOAC) to empower Pacific scientists
The PIOAC plays a pivotal role in addressing this challenge. The centre ensures that Pacific Island countries and territories can generate high-quality data and actively contribute to global climate research by improving their skills in ocean chemistry, data collection, and analysis.
The Ocean Acidification Training held in Honiara is an essential part of this objective because it helps scientists in the region fill significant knowledge gaps and ensure that Pacific perspectives are heard in future IPCC reports and global ocean policy discussions.
Held from 23rd to 26th September 2025 at the Solomon Islands National University’s (SINU) Marine Campus in Honiara, the training was jointly the result of a partnership between the Pacific Community (SPC), the University of the South Pacific (USP), Earth Science New Zealand (formerly NIWA), the University of Otago and SINU.
Participants from Vanuatu, Samoa, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji took part in intensive hands-on sessions focused on measuring ocean chemistry, managing data, and standardising monitoring techniques.
A highlight of the training was a presentation by Meagan Gary, Programme Manager at The Ocean Foundation, who introduced participants to the emerging field of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR). The session encouraged participants to explore how innovative ocean-based solutions could complement natural carbon sinks and strengthen Pacific leadership in global climate action.
Hence, fight against ocean acidification in the Pacific is as much about scientific advancement as it is about regional resilience and collaboration.
The PIOAC is helping build a generation of skilled scientists who can monitor and respond to these changes with precision and purpose. Through shared knowledge and collaboration, Pacific Island nations are deepening their understanding of ocean change and strengthening their voice in global climate discussions.
Pacific Community, 9 December 2025. Article.
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