Ocean Acidification

Register

When: Thu, Mar 6 2025, 4:30 – 5:20pm

Location: Online: Zoom; In-Person at WWU: Academic West 204

Description: This place-based collaborative effort to understand, anticipate, and prepare for ocean changes affecting natural and human systems owes its success to how oceanographic, ecological, and social scientists and tribal community partners co-designed and co-produced the project. Our goal was to provide an assessment of coupled social-ecological vulnerability to effects from ocean acidification based on new social science and a synthesis of existing data and model projections relevant to the Olympic Coast, its biological resources, and its inhabitants. We outlined eight objectives to guide our project, developing areas of strong integration, including drawing from Indigenous knowledge to inform social science understanding, and drawing on these two systems of knowledge for guiding selection of species of focus for biological risk assessment, with feedback to community preparation and adaptation actions. I will focus on ecological elements of the risk assessment but stress its utility in the context of the social science.

The Environmental Speaker Series is free and open to the public. Talks are held each Thursday at 4:30pm in Academic Instructional Center West, room 204. Join us at WWU or online on Zoom!

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The SDGs-EYES webinar “Eutrophication and acidification in the North Sea: Advancing on SDGs indicators monitoring, reporting and accounting” will provide an in-depth exploration of critical environmental challenges and solutions. This webinar highlights the innovative Copernicus-based tool delivering advanced mapping of SDG indicators for the North Sea, supporting local and European policy-making processes in sustainable marine resource management.

Participants will gain insights into the pilot‘s advanced tools and datasets, designed to enhance stakeholders’ understanding and response strategies to sustainable management of marine resources and ecosystems. The webinar will foster discussions on potential applications, align solutions with user needs, and encourage the adoption of the pilot’s outcomes to address real-world challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Advancing SDG14 – Life Below Water: Explore how the pilot contributes to monitoring and managing marine ecosystems, addressing eutrophication and acidification to promote the sustainable use of ocean resources.
• Innovative Marine Indicators: Learn how the Copernicus-based tools generate high-resolution maps of SDG14 indicators for the North Sea, supporting policy-making and sustainable management of vulnerable marine areas.
• Mitigating Anthropogenic Pressures: Understand how the pilot supports knowledge of the impacts of human activities, such as marine ecosystems changes under recent climate conditions, helping to safeguard biodiversity.
• Global Sustainability and Marine Protection: Discuss the role of this initiative in supporting global efforts to achieve SDG 14 targets and contribute to the post-2030 United Nations agenda for ocean health.
• Discuss the role of this pilot in supporting global efforts, as the United Nations shapes the post-2030 agenda to advance sustainability goals.

Closing date: 10 January 2025, end of day

All students and early career researchers who wish to apply to the 2025 GOOD-OARS summer school on ocean acidification and deoxygenation must do so soon, and we are very grateful to all who can help us to reach interested potential attendees by sharing this announcement with your networks.

The summer school will welcome up to 40 Early Career Researchers, PhD students, and highly motivated MSc students who aim to work on or with ocean acidification and deoxygenation.  The school will be hosted by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies of Universiti Sains Malaysia (CEMACS) and is established under the Global Ocean Oxygen Decade (GOOD) and Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability (OARS) programmes of the UN Ocean Decade. It aims to train the next generation of ocean oxygen and acidification scientists and researchers in the foundations of both fields, with instruction and lectures from world experts in a friendly setting for discussion.

You can read more about the school on its website. The school will run from the 4-11 November 2025 at CEMACS in Penang, Malaysia. Applications are open until 10 January 2025. Applicants should expect to hear back on or before 7 February 2025.

Any queries can be directed to go2ne-secretariat@unesco.org and to ssgo2025@gmail.com. Very many thanks for your help in bringing this to the attention of interested potential attendees!

GOA-ON, IOC-UNESCO, 6 January 2025. More information.

Join us on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about ocean acidification.

The ocean acts like a sponge, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Increased absorption by the ocean causes changes to our ocean’s chemistry from pole to pole. This is known as ocean acidification. Ocean acidification has regional and local impacts on marine life, ecosystems, and the people who depend on them. Additional processes and stressors near our coasts like nutrient pollution and algae blooms cause coastal acidification, introducing additional impacts.  We’ve advanced our science enough to be able to assess regional vulnerability and identify and build adaptive strategies to help people prepare for and mitigate these challenges.

In this web seminar, the presenters will talk about NOAA’s efforts to assess resilience and vulnerability to ocean and coastal acidification and provide resources and solutions supporting coastal and inland communities. The presenters will also share the latest research in the emerging field of marine carbon dioxide removal to mitigate ocean acidification.

All individuals receive a certificate of participation and 100 NSTA activity points for attending the live seminar and completing the end-of-program survey. A certificate of participation is not awarded for watching the recorded version of the program.

We invite you to register for upcoming web seminars at NSTA.

Register today to participate in this web seminar. Upon registering you will receive an e-mail confirmation including information about the program and suggested links to visit in preparation of the event. Additional information about the web seminar will be e-mailed to you days before the program.

New Users: Log in 15 minutes prior to the start time for an introduction to NSTA web seminars.

Each web seminar is a unique, stand-alone, program. Archives of the web seminars and the presenters’ PowerPoint presentations will be available through the links on this web page. Read answers to frequently asked questions from participants.

For more information contact: webseminars@nsta.org

Apply to join the 2025 GOOD-OARS summer school to be held in Malaysia in November 2025. 

Applications are now open for the 2025 GOOD-OARS Summer School on Ocean Acidification and Deoxygenation, taking place 4–11 November 2025 at the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies of Universiti Sains Malaysia (CEMACS) in Penang, Malaysia.

This unique program will host up to 40 Early Career Researchers, PhD students, and motivated MSc students passionate about advancing their knowledge and research in ocean acidification and deoxygenation.

Why Join?
The summer school is part of the Global Ocean Oxygen Decade (GOOD) and Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability (OARS) programs under the UN Ocean Decade. Participants will receive cutting-edge training from world-class experts in a collaborative environment designed to inspire discussion and innovation.

📍 Location: CEMACS, Penang, Malaysia
📅 Dates: 4–11 November 2025

Important Deadlines:

Application Deadline: 10 January 2025
Selected Applicants Announced: 7 February 2025
For inquiries, please contact:
📩 go2ne-secretariat@unesco.org
📩 ssgo2025@gmail.com

Registration: Registration form is now open

Abstracts: Abstract submission until 31 January 2025

The Liège Colloquium is organized as a plenary event. Talks and posters will be organized within the following sessions

• Technological approaches
• Environmental implications
• Socio-economic considerations
• Governance and regulation

Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal  

Marine-based CDR techniques are gaining increased attention to achieve the necessary CO2 removal for climate stabilisation. This conference will bring together experts from diverse disciplines, including marine biology, oceanography, climate science, environmental engineering, policy, and economics, to discuss marine CDR approaches’ potential, feasibility, efficiency, risks, and the need for adequate monitoring and policy regulations.

Deliberate and active carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from the atmosphere is critical to achieve the global climate targets. The ocean plays a key role in regulating the Earth’s carbon cycle, absorbing approximately 25-30% of human-caused carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and storing about 50 times as much carbon as the pre-industrial atmosphere. Marine-based CDR techniques are gaining increased attention to achieve the necessary CO2 removal for climate stabilization. This conference will bring together experts from diverse disciplines, including marine biology, oceanography, climate science, environmental engineering, policy, and economics, to discuss marine CDR approaches’ potential, feasibility,  efficiency, risks, and the need for adequate monitoring and policy regulations. 

The primary objectives of the conference are:

• To evaluate the scientific and technical viability of various marine-based CDR methods (e.g., ocean alkalinity enhancement, ocean fertilization, seaweed and microalgae cultivation, artificial up/downwelling, direct ocean capture).
• To assess the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of marine CDR techniques.
• To foster a dialogue between scientists, policymakers, the private sector, and NGOs to align on best practices, ethical considerations, and governance frameworks.

The conference will cover the following topics:

• Technological approaches: An in-depth look at various marine CDR technologies, and the development of reliable monitoring, reporting, verification, life cycle analysis, and field trials. 
• Environmental implications: Assessment of the potential impacts and risks to marine ecosystems, including ocean acidification, biodiversity impacts, and unintended consequences.
• Socio-economic considerations: Understanding the cost-effectiveness and potential co-benefits of marine CDR, the role of the carbon markets, as well as public perception and stakeholder engagement.
• Governance and regulation: Exploration of the legal and regulatory frameworks required for responsible deployment of marine CDR, including international treaties, national legislation, and voluntary industry standards. 

Expected Outcomes

• A Policy Brief report summarizing a comprehensive assessment of priority research and recommendations for national and international stakeholders on approaching marine CDR development.

SOOS is excited to share the launch of our new working group: The newly formed 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐛 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (SO-OA Hub), a joint project with GOA-ON.

Everyone is invited to join the hybrid launch workshop on 19 Nov 14:40 AEST in Hobart at the AARC and online as part of OAWeek2024!

Register at bit.ly/SO-OA_Hub_Launch

Access more information about the hub and become a member here: https://www.soos.aq/activities/cwg/so-oa

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Event: NOAA EPP/MSI CSC Climate Change Seminar Series

Title:  THE EXPANDING REACH OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

Presenter: Andrea Fassbender,  OAR Pacific  Marine Environment Lab (Hosted by CCME)

Date: November 14, 2024

Time: 12:00pm-1:00 PM

Register: Click here to register

 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details to join the event

 About the Seminar Series.

Join NOAA’s EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers for this lecture series featuring scientists from NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Research. These monthly seminars will be hosted by the lead institution, virtually or hybrid throughout the 2025-2025 academic year.  For more information, please visit, https://research.noaa.gov/noaa-csc-24-25/

The members of the SCOR project Changing Ocean Biological Systems (COBS) gathered at the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco from 7-8 October 2024 for their annual meeting. The Working group has developed Best Practices and tools to plan meaningful multifactorial experiments in the laboratory to assess the impact of multiple stressors on marine organisms. It carries out capacity building activities to train scientists on the use of these resources. Still, key concepts to carry out multi-stressor experiments have not made their way to the broader scientific community.

During the meeting, the group discussed plans and strategies to incorporate new emerging concepts related to the field of multiple stressors, including the need to combine local and global stressors, as well as the incorporation of time from short term variability to long term evolutionary aspects. A plan for improving the communication of multiple stressor science was developed, from scientific capacity development to high-level policy.

The Working Group brings together experts from Chile, China, Germany, India, New Zealand, Sweden, UK and the US. The meeting was co-supported by SCOR and the IAEA Ocean Acidification international Coordination Centre (OA-ICC).

From 18-29 November 2024, the OA-ICC will organize the second edition of its Winter School on ocean acidification in a multiple stressor context, which will include some of the concepts and resources developed by the SCOR COBS Working Group.

Date: 9 October 2024

Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (EDT)

REGISTER

Workshop Agenda

Join us for a free virtual workshop on our Regional Resiliency & Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) projects on October 9, 2024 at 1pm ET. Our recently funded RVA projects will share results and facilitate connections between current project leaders and those interested in applying to our upcoming FY25 Regional Vulnerability Assessment funding call, which will likely release at the end of summer. RVA projects are interdisciplinary projects that supplement the physical, chemical, and biological science of ocean acidification with social science to assess regional vulnerability.

The goals of this workshop are:

• To facilitate networking and collaborations between OAP-funded PIs and new interested partners.
• To hear from past RVA projects leads on lessons learned and next steps;
• To address common challenges (such as engagement with Indigenous communities, Tribes, and/or other interested groups; working in data-poor regions; and building interdisciplinary teams); and,

Date: 7 October 2024

Time: 2:00 pm -3:00 pm

Location: MIT Center for Ocean Engineering – Room: 5-314

Speaker Name: Bianca Champenois

Affiliation: Sand-lab Doctoral Student

Abstract:

A significant portion of atmospheric CO2 emissions is absorbed by the ocean, resulting in acidified seawater and altered carbonate composition that is harmful to marine life and ecosystems. Despite detrimental effects, monitoring and forecasting indicators of ocean and coastal acidification (OCA) is difficult due to the scarcity of in-situ measurements and the high costs of computational modeling. We develop a parsimonious data-driven framework to model properties that drive OCA, and we test the framework in the Massachusetts Bay and Stellwagen Bank, a region with industries affected by OCA. First, we trained a neural network to predict in-depth fields for temperature and salinity (x,y,z) using surface quantities from satellites and in-situ measurements (x,y). The relationship between 2D surface and 3D properties is captured through the in-depth modes and coefficients obtained from principal component analysis applied to a high-resolution historical reanalysis data set. Next, we used Bayesian regression methods to estimate region-specific relationships for in-depth total alkalinity (TAlk), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and aragonite saturation state (Omega_Ar) as a function of in-depth temperature, in-depth salinity, and surface chlorophyll-a concentration. Lastly, 4D field predictions are made from surface measurements using the neural network followed by the regression models. The model’s performance is evaluated using withheld measurements at multiple depths, locations, and seasons, and the near real-time predictions for temperature, salinity, TAlk, DIC, and Omega_Ar are useful for understanding the impacts and evolution of OCA. Each step of the framework includes uncertainty quantification which can be used for future planning and optimal sensor placement.

Date: Wednesday, 9 October 2024

Time:  1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT

Register here

A workshop sponsored by the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP).

The OAP is hosting a workshop on Regional Resiliency & Vulnerability Assessments (RVAs) for ocean acidification. RVAs are interdisciplinary projects that supplement the physical, chemical and biological science of ocean acidification with social science to assess regional vulnerability. As currently-funded projects are wrapping up, the OAP is launching a call for another round of RVA projects as it seeks to expand and diversify its portfolio on the Human Dimensions of ocean acidification.

The goals of this workshop are:

1. To hear from past RVAs on lessons learned and next steps;
2. To address common challenges (such as engagement with Indigenous communities, Tribes, and/or other interested groups; working in data-poor regions; and building interdisciplinary teams); and,
3. To facilitate networking and collaborations between OAP-funded PIs and new interested partners.

If you have any questions about the workshop and/or the RVA funding opportunity, please contact Alexandra Puritz, OAP Human Dimensions Research Manager (alexandra.puritz@noaa.gov).

Dates: 18 – 20 March 2025

 Location: National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton, United Kingdom

To register please click here 

8 years after the first Wepal-Quasimeme Ocean Acidification (OA) workshop in Southampton and after 3 years of the AQ15 Wepal-Quasimeme intercalibration exercise, it’s time to bring the Ocean Acidification community back together. 

The first OSPAR QSR on OA was published in 2023 but there is still, more than ever before, a need for high quality data (TA, DIC, pH, pCO2) to strengthen all scientific output on OA. OSPAR, as well as other international initiatives such as ICOS, GOA-ON and AMAP, indicate that strong international collaborative monitoring programmes on OA need to continue, to facilitate meaningful data gathering, collation and assessment. 

A consistent approach to sampling, sample pre-treatment, analysis, quality control, validation of methods, calculation of derived variables and an understanding of methodological limitations is required; methods should be fit for purpose. Many monitoring agencies, with varying levels of experience are analysing samples for carbonate chemistry parameter on different types of instruments but also using new techniques, as more sensors are installed on buoys or ships, or more automated analysers are set up.    

 There’s still a gap in availability of CRMs, standards, buffers for quality control and calibrations when analysing marine samples. Worldwide, Scripps reference materials are used for QC or calibration for total alkalinity (TA), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pH analysis without having a separate way of ensuring that their measurement system is in control and has a calibration with known linearity. Thus, even when reference materials are used there are likely to be unidentified uncertainties  showing up on a well-designed proficiency study like the QUASIMEME AQ15.

Aims of the Workshop

1. To obtain a consistent approach to sampling, sample pre-treatment sample storage across the OSPAR contracting parties and AMAP countries for all four carbonate parameters (TA / DIC / pCO2 / pH) and discuss sample preservation  alternatives for HgCl2.
2. Discuss the key analytical techniques for all four carbonate chemistry parameter measurements; challenges, limitations and misconceptions affecting quality of results. The emphasis of the workshop will be on the parameters of TA/DIC/pH since these are likely to progress to the OSPAR CEMP but considerations will also be given to pCO2. Discuss new more automated analytical techniques and measurements with sensors. Can these instruments provide data that obtain the weather or climate goals? Are the methods fit for purpose?
3.  To obtain a consistent approach to the analysis of TA/DIC/pH, and correct use of reference materials/standards across the OSPAR and AMAP regions.
4. The role of Quasimeme exercises in Quality assurance and Quality assessment. What are the results after 3 years AQ15 intercalibration exercises and what is the way forward? 
5. Consider the limitations of reference materials across the OSPAR and AMAP regions i.e. salinity ranges, open oceans and coastal waters. New initiatives?
6. Address data quality objectives needed for various assessment purposes. GOA-ON identified the need for two different levels of data quality to ensure the availability of data and permit assessment of short-term variability as well as longer term trends. To be inline with recent years Accreditation Bodies

…

National Oceanography Centre, 23 September 2024. More information.

Registration: Environmental economics research group: Webropolilla luotu kysely (webropolsurveys.com)

Zoom link

Overview

Luke Thompson, Northern Gulf Institute, Mississippi State University; Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Title: Plankton community dynamics in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract: NOAA’s Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) and Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) use ‘omics and environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies to provide insights into marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. This talk will highlight regular eDNA-based monitoring efforts through three projects in the Gulf of Mexico: (1) the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystems and Carbon Cycle cruises to study carbonate chemistry and plankton biodiversity across the entire Gulf of Mexico basin, aiding in the understanding of species responses to ocean acidification and carbon cycling; (2) the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration cruises, part of the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON), monitoring water quality and ecosystem status in coastal waters off southwest Florida; and (3) a multi-year sediment trap in the northern Gulf of Mexico aimed at understanding plankton community dynamics and their role in the biological carbon pump. Together, these initiatives are providing comprehensive insights into marine ecosystems and supporting conservation and management strategies. 

Bio: Luke Thompson is an associate research professor at Mississippi State University, based at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory in Miami, Florida. Luke received his bachelor’s degree at Stanford University and his PhD at MIT, both in biology. His current research focuses on marine systems, from microbes to fish to mammals, using ‘omics methods, especially DNA sequencing. His lab is developing methods for high-throughput environmental DNA sample processing and data analysis, and applying them to monitoring and conservation efforts in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes. 

San Francisco State University, 10 September 2024. More information.

NEW DATES: 18-20 March 2025

A Workshop on Quality Assurance for inorganic carbon system measurements in context of ocean acidification monitoring is organised by WEPAL-QUASIMEME, National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS). The workshop will be hosted by NOC, Southampton, United Kingdom and will take place 18-20 March 2025.

Wepal-Quasimeme Workshop on Quality Assurance for inorganic carbon system measurements in context of ocean acidification monitoring.

Timing and venue: 18-20 March 2025; National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOC), United Kingdom

Who should attend?
The workshop will be beneficial for technicians and scientists working in the field of Ocean Acidification in seawater.

Registration
Participants should register before 10th March 2025. Your registration is only complete after payment of the registration fee is received in full. The registration fee includes attendance of the workshop, report of the workshop, coffees, teas, lunches and dinners on two nights.

WEPAL-QUASIMEME quest for quality

Eight years after the first Wepal-Quasimeme Ocean Acidification (OA) workshop in Southampton and after three years of the AQ15 Wepal-Quasimeme intercalibration exercise, it’s time to bring the Ocean Acidification community back together.

The first OSPAR QSR on OA was published in 2023 but there is still, more than ever before, a need for high quality data (TA, DIC, pH, pCO2) to strengthen all scientific output on OA. OSPAR, as well as other international initiatives such as ICOS, GOA-ON and AMAP, indicate that strong international collaborative monitoring programmes on OA need to continue, to facilitate meaningful data gathering, collation and assessment.

A consistent approach to sampling, sample pre-treatment, analysis, quality control, validation of methods, calculation of derived variables and an understanding of methodological limitations is required; methods should be fit for purpose. Many monitoring agencies, with varying levels of experience are analysing samples for carbonate chemistry parameter on different types of instruments but also using new techniques, as more sensors are installed on buoys or ships, or more automated analysers are set up.

There’s still a gap in availability of CRMs, standards, buffers for quality control and calibrations when analysing marine samples. Worldwide, Scripps reference materials are used for QC or calibration for total alkalinity (TA), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pH analysis without having a separate way of ensuring that their measurement system is in control and has a calibration with known linearity. Thus, even when reference materials are used there are likely to be unidentified uncertainties showing up on a well-designed proficiency study like the QUASIMEME AQ15.

Aims of the Workshop

1. To obtain a consistent approach to sampling, sample pre-treatment sample storage across the OSPAR contracting parties and AMAP countries for all four carbonate parameters (TA / DIC / pCO2 / pH) and discuss sample preservation alternatives for HgCl2.
2. Discuss the key analytical techniques for all four carbonate chemistry parameter measurements; challenges, limitations and misconceptions affecting quality of results. The emphasis of the workshop will be on the parameters of TA/DIC/pH since these are likely to progress to the OSPAR CEMP but considerations will also be given to pCO2. Discuss new more automated analytical techniques and measurements with sensors. Can these instruments provide data that obtain the weather or climate goals? Are the methods fit for purpose?
3. To obtain a consistent approach to the analysis of TA/DIC/pH, and correct use of reference materials/standards across the OSPAR and AMAP regions.
4. The role of Wepal-Quasimeme exercises in Quality assurance and Quality assessment. What are the results after 3 years AQ15 intercalibration exercises and what is the way forward?
5. Consider the limitations of reference materials across the OSPAR and AMAP regions i.e. salinity ranges, open oceans and coastal waters. New initiatives?
6. Address data quality objectives needed for various assessment purposes. GOAON identified the need for two different levels of data quality to ensure the availability of data and permit assessment of short-term variability as well as longer term trends. To be inline with recent years Accreditation Bodies.