Archive for the 'Resources' Category

GCAN Webinar Series: Tropical cyclone-induced coastal acidification in Galveston Bay, Texas, Thursday, 21 September 2023

Date & time: Thursday, 21 September 2023, 2-3 pm ET / 8-9 pm CET

Location: online

Tacey Hicks is a current John A Knauss Sea Grant Fellow at the National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where she works as an ocean policy analyst. She received her B.S. in Chemistry from Montana State University and is a current doctoral candidate in Oceanography at Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on the impacts of climate change to the ocean and coastal water carbonate chemistry of calcifying ecosystems, with an emphasis on the influence of extreme events and environmental conditions. 

Continue reading ‘GCAN Webinar Series: Tropical cyclone-induced coastal acidification in Galveston Bay, Texas, Thursday, 21 September 2023’

Recruiting Steering Committee members for the GOA-ON regional hub for Pacific Islands & Territories (PI-TOA)

PI-TOA GOA-ON Regional Hub is currently recruiting new steering committee members since four current members’ terms are up at the end of 2023. Steering committee members are elected for three year terms and are expected to fulfill the duties outlined in the PI-TOA Steering Committee Roles and Requirements Document linked below.

All interested ocean professionals within the Pacific Islands and Territories are welcomed to apply and early career ocean professionals are particularly encouraged to submit applications to increase cross collaboration between the early career ICONEC Community and PI-TOA.

To submit an application, please send an email by 6 October 2023 to the GOA-ON Secretariat (secretariat@goa-on.org) with a statement of interest, explanation of relevant experience, and a CV. Please spread this notice widely and reach out to the GOA-ON Secretariat with any questions.

PI-TOA (Pacific Islands & Territories Ocean Acidification) Network

The term “Toa” means “warrior” in many Polynesian Island languages. The PI-TOA network works collectively to better understand and combat the impacts of ocean acidification in the region. In recent years, there have been several ocean acidification trainings and “GOA-ON in a Box” kit recipients in the Pacific Islands and Territories. As capacity for ocean acidification monitoring increases in the region, there is an increasing need for collaboration and communication among the various islands and territories.

Continue reading ‘Recruiting Steering Committee members for the GOA-ON regional hub for Pacific Islands & Territories (PI-TOA)’

Ocean Protector – understanding ocean and coastal acidification through game-based learning

Engaging for studentsAugmented for educators

Ocean Protector is a free online educational game that teaches students about the impacts of ocean acidification and how they can take action to prevent it.

Through a series of interactive decisions and evaluations, students will learn about the causes and effects of ocean acidification and evaluate solutions that can help reduce its impact on marine ecosystems and people.

This decision-driven experience helps students construct explanations, reason effectively, and become self-directed learners involving marine science and ocean literacy.

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SOARCE Webinar Series – A new wave of ocean acidification communication: engaging communities using StoryMaps

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.

Continue reading ‘SOARCE Webinar Series – A new wave of ocean acidification communication: engaging communities using StoryMaps’

Alaska Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session registration

Date and time: Friday, 1 September 2023, 1 – 2 am CEST

Location: online (Zoom)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84758250542?pwd=V0pPMnlkemV4VjJEZ0Q2QXU1cTJHdz09

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) advances ocean acidification science, education and outreach. As our knowledge about our changing oceans has advanced, so has the needs of audiences around the nation. We are assessing nationwide stakeholder needs via listening sessions to identify gaps, priorities, and the ways in which we can support people impacted by ocean and coastal acidification. The listening sessions help us understand your priorities and needs, how ocean acidification and ocean change intersect, and how we can best support you through education and outreach projects and initiatives!The listening sessions will help inform:

  • Funding opportunities such as education mini-grants, and future Notice of Funding Opportunities (grants)
  • Updates to the NOAA Ocean Acidification Education Implementation Plan
  • Best practices for outreach and education initiatives that support your needs
Continue reading ‘Alaska Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session registration’

Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session registration

Date and time: Thursday, 24 August 2023, 8 – 9pm CEST

Location: online (Zoom)

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqdOqtqDkuHdJNA753qV5XEyxnxymQXYwn

This listening session is a general session for any educator from any region of the US!

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) advances ocean acidification science, education and outreach. As our knowledge about our changing oceans has advanced, so has the needs of audiences around the nation. We are assessing nationwide stakeholder needs via listening sessions to identify gaps, priorities, and the ways in which we can support people impacted by ocean and coastal acidification. The listening sessions help us understand your priorities and needs, how ocean acidification and ocean change intersect, and how we can best support you through education and outreach projects and initiatives!

The listening sessions will help inform:

  • Funding opportunities such as education mini-grants, and future Notice of Funding Opportunities (grants)
  • Updates to the NOAA Ocean Acidification Education Implementation Plan
  • Best practices for outreach and education initiatives that support your needs

Format: The listening session will begin with a brief overview of the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program and the stakeholder needs assessment project. Next, participants will have the opportunity to share your priorities and concerns in your work and daily life on how ocean change and ocean acidification has impacted you, and identify ways we can support you. Your anonymous responses will be recorded using Mentimeter.

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program, via Eventbrite. More information.

West Coast Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session registration

Date and time: Tuesday, 22 August 2023, 10 – 11pm CEST

Location: online (Zoom)

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpde6qpjMsHNwpToaknvvfJ8BVqn0Gy2k0

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) advances ocean acidification science, education and outreach. As our knowledge about our changing oceans has advanced, so has the needs of audiences around the nation. We are assessing nationwide stakeholder needs via listening sessions to identify gaps, priorities, and the ways in which we can support people impacted by ocean and coastal acidification. The listening sessions help us understand your priorities and needs, how ocean acidification and ocean change intersect, and how we can best support you through education and outreach projects and initiatives!The listening sessions will help inform:

  • Funding opportunities such as education mini-grants, and future Notice of Funding Opportunities (grants)
  • Updates to the NOAA Ocean Acidification Education Implementation Plan
  • Best practices for outreach and education initiatives that support your needs
Continue reading ‘West Coast Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session registration’

Northeast Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session registration

Date and time: Thursday, 17 August 2023, 10-11 pm CEST

Location: online (Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMocu-oqzsjHtZrCU-Wc7Ae4Hu3UeUTE3yK)

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) advances ocean acidification science, education and outreach. As our knowledge about our changing oceans has advanced, so has the needs of audiences around the nation. We are assessing nationwide stakeholder needs via listening sessions to identify gaps, priorities, and the ways in which we can support people impacted by ocean and coastal acidification. The listening sessions help us understand your priorities and needs, how ocean acidification and ocean change intersect, and how we can best support you through education and outreach projects and initiatives!The listening sessions will help inform:

  • Funding opportunities such as education mini-grants, and future Notice of Funding Opportunities (grants)
  • Updates to the NOAA Ocean Acidification Education Implementation Plan
  • Best practices for outreach and education initiatives that support your needs
Continue reading ‘Northeast Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session registration’

Mid-Atlantic Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session

Date and time: Wednesday, 16 August 2023, 4-5 pm CEST

Location: online (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qc-muqTkpEtAfnVuCOAjgtlyBXU4b4iBU)

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) advances ocean acidification science, education and outreach. As our knowledge about our changing oceans has advanced, so has the needs of audiences around the nation. We are assessing nationwide stakeholder needs via listening sessions to identify gaps, priorities, and the ways in which we can support people impacted by ocean and coastal acidification.

The listening sessions help us understand your priorities and needs, how ocean acidification and ocean change intersect, and how we can best support you through education and outreach projects and initiatives!The listening sessions will help inform:

  • Funding opportunities such as education mini-grants, and future Notice of Funding Opportunities (grants)
  • Updates to the NOAA Ocean Acidification Education Implementation Plan
  • Best practices for outreach and education initiatives that support your needs
Continue reading ‘Mid-Atlantic Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session’

Southeast Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session, 8 August 2023

Date and time: 8 August 2023, 8-9 pm CEST

Location: online (you will receive a link to attend the meeting, accessibility information, and other important details before the listening session via email)

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) advances ocean acidification science, education and outreach. As our knowledge about our changing oceans has advanced, so has the needs of audiences around the nation. We are assessing nationwide stakeholder needs via listening sessions to identify gaps, priorities, and the ways in which we can support people impacted by ocean and coastal acidification. The listening sessions help us understand your priorities and needs, how ocean acidification and ocean change intersect, and how we can best support you through education and outreach projects and initiatives!The listening sessions will help inform:

  • Funding opportunities such as education mini-grants, and future Notice of Funding Opportunities (grants)
  • Updates to the NOAA Ocean Acidification Education Implementation Plan
  • Best practices for outreach and education initiatives that support your needs
Continue reading ‘Southeast Educators Ocean Acidification Listening Session, 8 August 2023’

Model development to assess carbon fluxes during shell formation in blue mussels

In order to quantify the amount of carbonate, precipitated as calcium-carbonate in the shells of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) in a temperate climate, an existing Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model for the blue mussel was adapted by separating shell growth from soft tissue growth. Hereby, two parameters were added to the original DEB-model, a calcification cost [J/mgCaCO3] and an energy allocation fraction [-], which resulted in the energy allocated for structural growth being divided between shell and meat growth. As values for these new parameters were lacking, they were calibrated by fitting the model to field data. Calibration results showed that an Energy allocation fraction of 0.5 and a calcification cost of 0.9 J/mgCaCO3, resulted in the best fit when fitted on 2017 and 2018 field data separately. These values however, show the best fit for data obtained within the first couple of years of the shellfish life, and do not take later years into account. Also it could be discussed that some parameters vary throughout the lifespan of the species. The results were compared to a regular DEB model, where the shell output was calculated through a simple allometric relationship. It is sometimes assumed that the carbon storage in shell material as calcium carbonate could be regarded as a form of carbon sequestration, with a positive impact on the atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, studies on the physical-chemical processes related to shell formation have shown that from an oceanographic perspective, shell formation should be regarded as a source of atmospheric CO2 rather than a sink. The removal of carbonates, through the biocalcification process, reduces the buffer capacity (alkalinity) of the water to store CO2. As a result CO2 is released from the water to the atmosphere when shell material is formed. The actual amount of CO2 that escapes from the water to the atmosphere as a result of biocalcification depends strongly on local water characteristics. In this study, the effect of calcification by mussels on the CO2 flux to the atmosphere is studied using an adapted DEB model where energy costs of calcification are modelled explicitly. The model was subsequently run under two future climate scenarios, (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.3) with elevated temperature and decreased pH, and the total released CO2 as a result of shell formation was calculated with the SeaCarb model. This showed growth of mussels, under future climate conditions to be slower, and with that the cumulative shell mass and carbonate precipitated to CaCO3 to decrease. Yet the amount of CO2 released, due to biocalcification, increased. This is due to the fact that the amount of CO2 released/gr of CaCO3 precipitated will be higher, as a result of the decreased buffering capacity of seawater under future climatic environmental conditions.

In summary the conclusions of the project were:

  • Biocalcification (shell formation) of marine organisms, such as bivalves, cannot be regarded as a process resulting in negative CO2 emission to the atmosphere;
  • The actual amount of CO2 that, due to biocalcification, is released from the water to the atmosphere depends on the physicochemical characteristics of the water, which are influenced by (future) climate conditions;
  • Our first model calculations suggest that at future climate conditions mussel’s grow rate will be somewhat reduced. While the amount of CO2 that due to biocalcification, escapes to the atmosphere during its life-time will slightly increase. Making the ratio of g CO2 release/g CaCO3 precipitated slightly higher;
  • Our model calculations should be considered an exercise rather than a definite prediction of how mussels will respond to future climate scenarios. Additional information/experimentation is strongly needed to validate the model settings, and to test the validity of the above mentioned outcome of the model.
Continue reading ‘Model development to assess carbon fluxes during shell formation in blue mussels’

Looking to connect with other early career folks in ocean carbon? Join the International Carbon Ocean Network for Early Career (ICONEC)

“We aim to create a community of early career professionals who can interact and support each other as peers across international borders.”

Next ICONEC virtual group meeting: Tuesday, 25 July 2023, 4pm UTC / 9am PDT.

Founded in October 2022, the International Carbon Ocean Network for Early Career (ICONEC) is comprised of early career ocean professionals working in marine carbon (mCDR, ocean acidification, climate modelling, monitoring, policy, and education), and is dedicated to lifting and empowering early career folks by creating a space to support each other, foster greater collaboration, and generate opportunities for career development.

In only a few months, ICONEC has grown to over 80 total members based in over 20 countries and has recently become an official Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network Hub (GOA-ON).

Goals

The GOA-ON ICONEC Network is a place where:

  • Provide opportunities for ECOP’s to increase their involvement with their local GOA-ON Hub(s).
  • GOA-ON members who identify as ECOPs, and ECOPs who support the goals of GOA-ON, can find an inclusive and welcoming community centred around a common interest in global marine carbon cycling.
  • Provide a space where Members can openly share experiences, ideas, and frustrations, and seek support from other ECOPS.
  • Knowledge and capacity sharing between ECOP’s is facilitated.
  • Ensure all members people are valued, respected, and welcomed.
  • Communication and collaboration are encouraged, and opportunities for communication are supported through our various engagement platforms, working groups, and meetings.
  • Create and promote opportunities that all ECOP’s to take a larger role in relevant projects.
Continue reading ‘Looking to connect with other early career folks in ocean carbon? Join the International Carbon Ocean Network for Early Career (ICONEC)’

Inside National Oceanography Centre with Earth Minutes EP2: Ocean Acidification (video)

Did you know that the ocean is becoming more acidic?

Join us to explore inside NOC to learn more with Dr Sara Fowell, from monitoring the changing pH to dissolving shells.

Continue reading ‘Inside National Oceanography Centre with Earth Minutes EP2: Ocean Acidification (video)’

The 2023 application for GOA-ON in a Box kits in the Pacific Islands is live!

Deadline for applications: 2 August 2023, 23:59 FJT

We’re focusing our next distribution of this low-cost kit – used for collecting weather-quality ocean acidification measurements – on many countries in the Pacific Island region including Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

To apply, please complete and submit the below form in its entirety by August 2, 2023 at 23:59 FJT — to receive a Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) in a Box kit with included training and research support. 

For more information about the application and eligibility, please follow this link.

For a downloadable Word document to use for drafting purposes, please follow this link.

Continue reading ‘The 2023 application for GOA-ON in a Box kits in the Pacific Islands is live!’

Applications open: GOA-ON in a Box kit

Deadline for submissions: 2 August 2023

Applications are open for another round of GOA-ON in a Box kits in the Pacific Islands in partnership with the Pacific Islands Ocean Acidification Centre (PIOAC) and with the support of NOAA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and a suite of OA experts! Please help us share this opportunity or consider applying if you meet the criteria and are ready to ready to initialize or bolster your own ocean acidification monitoring program.

Thus far, The Ocean Foundation (TOF) has distributed 22 GOA-ON in a Box kits to research teams around the globe, including 12 in the Pacific Islands. This kit, valued at around $25,000 USD, supports high-quality measurements of carbonate chemistry by comprising everything that is needed–down to the specialized rubber bands–to collect samples for laboratory analysis and conduct field research following established best practices. This award also includes a travel stipend to obtain hands-on training at PIOAC in Suva, Fiji and a stipend to support research activities over two years. 

Organizations (including academic/place of education, governmental, or non-governmental institutions) in the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Vietnam are eligible, and the applicant team should demonstrate their existing knowledge of ocean acidification. To learn more about this opportunity, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, please follow this link. For a downloadable application template to use for drafting purposes, please follow this link. Any questions may be asked here or directed to The Ocean Foundation at ioai@oceanfdn.org.

Continue reading ‘Applications open: GOA-ON in a Box kit’

Education mini-grant opportunity: NOAA Ocean Acidification Program

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) is pleased to announce the launch of the FY24 Education Mini-grant Program! The principal objective of this opportunity is to provide federal financial assistance to develop ocean and coastal acidification education tools and programs in underserved and/or Indigenous communities or Tribes. To learn more about this federal funded opportunity, see the Notice of Funding Opportunity here.

Important dates:

  • webinar outlining required proposal elements and the review process will take place at 5 pm EST on Monday, July 10th, 2023. This will be recorded and posted to OAP’s website for those who are unable to attend. Register here.
  • Letters of Intent (LOIs) are strongly encouraged, and if submitted must be received by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, September 15th, 2023. Letters of intent are recommended so staff can assist applicants through the federal application process.
  • Full proposals must be received by 11:59 pm on Friday, February 23rd, 2024.

Please direct any questions or concerns to Alex Puritz at alexandra.puritz@noaa.gov.

Continue reading ‘Education mini-grant opportunity: NOAA Ocean Acidification Program’

NOAA Grant Opportunity – Ocean Acidification Coastal Research: Uniting Investigations and Shipboard Experiments (OA CRUISE)

Deadline for submission of proposals: 18 September 2023

NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) is soliciting cruise project proposals to complement core observing activities on existing cruises as part of its upcoming coastal ocean acidification (OA) cruises targeting the US Coastal Large Marine Ecosystems. The proposed activities should provide for expanded OA observational and experimental capabilities of repeated oceanographic research cruises to better achieve the strategic aims of the program.

Projects should expand existing capabilities of the OAP supported research cruises conducted along the coastal US. Projects should be aimed towards fulfilling the OA Cruise Science Priority Guidance Level 2 and Level 3 activities. Proposals should demonstrate how their proposed efforts in concert with the Level 1 core activities/measures would better address regionally relevant objectives in the NOAA Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Research Plan: 2020-2029.

Subject to the availability of funding, OAP anticipates approximately $1,000,000 will be available to support approximately 5-10 projects total, with each project funded at the approximate level of $100,000 – $200,000 total. Project duration should not exceed 3 years.

Continue reading ‘NOAA Grant Opportunity – Ocean Acidification Coastal Research: Uniting Investigations and Shipboard Experiments (OA CRUISE)’

GOA-ON webinar: Biochemical studies in the Tropical and South Atlantic Ocean – from air-sea CO2 exchanges to ocean acidification, 27 June 2023

Date and time: 27 June 2023, 14:00 UTC

Organizer / host: GOA-ON Regional Hub for Latin American and Caribbean (LAOCA)

Registration link:

https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SkfeDp48TfiUMiY87xX98w#/registration

We are pleased to let you know about the upcoming GOA-ON’s June webinar focusing on “Biogeochemical Studies in the Tropical and South Atlantic Ocean – from air-sea CO2 exchanges to ocean acidification”, hosted by the LAOCA regional hub. The webinar will take place on 27 June 2023 at 14:00 UTC and will feature presentations by:

  • Michelle Graco (Instituto del Mar del Peru) will present the results of the main studies developed at the upwelling system of Perú focused on the oceanographic dynamics, the carbonate system and the implementation of a low-cost coastal marine observatory to monitor natural stressors and contribute to the SDG 14.
  • Thiago Monteiro (Federal University of Rio Grande, Brazil) will present some of the main studies developed by the Brazilian Ocean Acidification Network (BrOA) in the western Tropical Atlantic, in the South Atlantic and in the Antarctic Peninsula, followed by an overview of our current knowledge of carbon chemistry, from air-sea CO₂ exchanges to ocean acidification.
  • Carla Berghoff from the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development in Argentina will moderate.
Continue reading ‘GOA-ON webinar: Biochemical studies in the Tropical and South Atlantic Ocean – from air-sea CO2 exchanges to ocean acidification, 27 June 2023’

Pacific scientific: ocean acidification (audio & text)

There’s a rising threat in our seas — ocean acidification.

But in the Pacific, patchy monitoring is making it hard for scientists to know where the worst effects will be felt, and which ecosystems need our support.

Tag along for a trip out to sea to meet a woman from the Solomon Islands who is tracking this looming danger in the Pacific Ocean.

Guest
Dr Katy Soapi – Coordinator for the Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science

Pacific Scientific is a co-production of ABC Science and ABC Radio Australia.

Continue reading ‘Pacific scientific: ocean acidification (audio & text)’

Nuclear explained – what is ocean acidification? (text & audio)

The ocean is both a source of oxygen and a sink for carbon dioxide (CO2). It absorbs about one fourth of all CO2 emissions. While this leaves less CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigates climate change, it makes the ocean more acidic. Ocean acidification has emerged as a global issue because of its effect on marine organisms, ecosystems and livelihoods.

Guests:

  • Sam Dupont, Professor of Marine Eco-Physiology at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Sarah Flickinger, Associate Research Scientist at the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Center, IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories, Monaco
  • Celeste Sánchez Noguera, Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Costa Rica

In this episode, experts explain what ocean acidification is and how nuclear techniques contribute to the understanding of this process and its impact. Nuclear techniques enable scientists to study past ocean conditions and forecast future effects of more acidic conditions.

Continue reading ‘Nuclear explained – what is ocean acidification? (text & audio)’

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