Ocean Acidification

In May, the World Meteorological Organisation released a report that detailed how four key climate change indicators set new records in 2021. Three of them relate to the ocean: sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification. 

Global mean sea level reached a new record high in 2021, the upper 2,000m of the ocean is warming at a rate that is irreversible on timescales of hundreds to thousands of years, while the open ocean pH – a measure of acidity – is likely to be the lowest it has been for at least 26,000 years. Greenhouse gas concentrations also reached a new global high in 2020, when the concentration of carbon dioxide – the main greenhouse gas driving climate change – reached 413.2 parts per million globally, or 149 per cent of the pre-industrial level.

In this episode, The Straits Times environment correspondent Audrey Tan and climate change editor David Fogarty discuss the role of the ocean in keeping our planet cool with Professor Benjamin Horton, a climate scientist and director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore at the Nanyang Technological University. 

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NOAA Fisheries podcaster John Sheehan talks with Dr. Kirstin Holsman and Dr. Libby Jewett, two of the authors of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. 

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Climate change is getting worse, it’s happening everywhere, and it requires immediate action. These are just a few of the takeaways of a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC is the United Nations body that assesses the science related to climate change and presents actionable information for the world’s decision makers. Hundreds of expert scientists from around the world helped compile this report, including NOAA authors Dr. Kirstin Holsman and Dr. Libby Jewett.  

In this episode of Dive In with NOAA Fisheries, John Sheehan talks with Dr. Kirstin Holsman and Dr. Libby Jewett. They share insights on some of the very real challenges of climate change, as well some actionable information. 

Dr. Holsman is a research fishery biologist, and the co-lead investigator on the Alaska Climate Integrated Modeling project, which is evaluating the impacts of climate change on the Bering Sea. Dr. Jewett is the founding director of the NOAA Ocean Acidification program, which examines how the chemistry of the ocean is changing, and the impacts of these changes.

Listen: S02 E10 – Pod The Lab – Ocean Acidification

UNSW Sydney – School of BEES by Michael Kasumovic

Ocean Acidification with Dr. Sue-Anne Watson

LISTEN • 3:30:53

“The Future Ocean,” is produced by the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network.

On this week’s Coffee Table, we debut the first two episodes of a new podcast, “The Future Ocean,” produced by the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network. Hosted by veteran Kodiak reporter Maggie Wall, The Future Ocean explores ocean acidification and ocean warming, which are growing concerns to coastal Alaskans and the seafood industry.You can find more Future Ocean episodes on your favorite podcasting app.

Listen to the show on WERU archives

Ocean acidification can cause problems for Maine’s coastal and ocean environments. Much like carbon dioxide wreaks havoc on the atmosphere, CO2 in the ocean triggers a series of chemical processes that lower the pH of the water, making it more acidic. This can cause problems for shellfish, a concern in a state like Maine where shellfish harvesting is an important part of our coastal economy.

On our next Coastal Conversations, we’ll explore the last decade of how states and communities have been responding to ocean acidification, including Maine, with lessons learned for the East and West coasts. Join Jessie Turner, Secretariat for the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification, and Drs Aaron Strong and Parker Gassett as our dialogue reveals the landscape of scientific and policy actions preparing for and responding to ocean acidification.

All three of our guests are contributors to a recent special issue publication in the journal Coastal Management, titled Ocean Acidification: Insights for Policy and Integrated Management.

On today’s show, you’ll learn how new modeling and forecasting tools will help fishing communities and water quality management adapt to changing conditions. You can hear about a region-wide, simultaneous monitoring event to expand Ocean Acidification research through community-science organizations and private-public partnerships.

Tune in on October 22nd from 3 – 5 PM, to learn all about the history of political action on Ocean Acidification and opportunities for curbing it into the future.

Guests

Jessie Turner, Secretariat of the Ocean Acidification Alliance, guest editor of special Ocean Acidification issue of Coastal Management Journal

Aaron Strong, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Hamilton College and formerly professor at the University of Maine

Parker Gassett, Marine Extension Associate with Maine Sea Grant, coordinating efforts on climate resilience at the community level

Special thanks to Esperanza Stancioff, University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Sea Grant and Parker Gassett, Maine Sea Grant, for help with this episode of Coastal Conversations.

More information about Coastal Conversations Radio Program.

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Marine scientists engaged in ocean acidification research and monitoring harmful algal blooms talk about what they are studying in Alaska.

PODCAST LINK

Experts Interviewed

Dr. Jessica Cross, NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Lab
Jessica Cross is a research oceanographer focused on carbon biogeochemistry and ocean acidification along Alaska’s coast. In her research she aims to better understand how acidification processes interact with natural biogeochemical cycles, and eventually to detect geochemical and biological impacts of acidification in marine systems. She conducts research using ship-based measurements, moorings, and mobile autonomous platforms like gliders and drones. Cross also participates in the arctic research community through the North American Carbon Program, the Ocean Carbon Biogeochemistry Program, the Pacific Arctic Group, and the Interagency Research Policy Committee collaboration teams. She holds a PhD in Chemical Oceanography from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Kris Holderied, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Science/Kasitsna Bay Lab
Kris Holderied is a physical oceanographer and Director of the Kasitsna Bay Lab in Kachemak Bay. She oversees research and facility operations at the lab, conducts research on coastal ecosystem change, and supports marine science education. Her coastal research interests are focused on how changing ocean conditions affect Alaska’s coastal resources and communities. Holderied received a Master of Science in Physical Oceanography from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program.

Jamie Goen, Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers
Jamie Goen is Executive Director for Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers. She started her career on oceanography vessels testing carbonate systems in seawater around the globe. After developing a strong interest in the role of fishermen in sustainable resource management, she worked for NOAA Fisheries with a focus on limited entry and quota programs and a stint as Congressional Affairs Liaison to the head of NOAA Fisheries. She also worked for the International Pacific Halibut Commission overseeing data collection from fisheries and fisheries-independent surveys before joining the crabbers. Goen holds a Masters of Marine Policy from the University of Washington.

Ocean acidification and ocean warming are growing concerns of coastal Alaskans and the seafood industry. As carbon dioxide levels rise in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel burning and deforestation, about one-third gets absorbed by the ocean, making it more acidic. The ocean also absorbs most of the excess heat resulting from greenhouse gas emissions, leading to rising ocean temperatures. These changes pose threats to marine life and ecosystems, as well as the people who depend on them. A new six-episode podcast called “The Future Ocean: What can carbon policy do for the ocean and our fisheries?” explores how policy solutions such as carbon emissions pricing might make a difference.

Sponsored by the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network, a program of the Alaska Ocean Observing System, The Future Ocean podcast features conversations with marine scientists, economists, and leaders in Alaska’s clean energy transition. The first two episodes explore what is happening in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska, how ocean acidification works, and why Alaska may be one of the first places significantly impacted by acidification. Episodes three through five delve into carbon pricing policies and how these might incentivize renewable energy development, replacing fossil fuel systems and driving down carbon emissions. The final episode discusses progress being made in Alaska to transition to more renewable energy sources.

“The Future Ocean podcast offers a way to engage more Alaskans in the conversation about the changes happening in our marine ecosystems, and potential solutions that are on the table,” said Darcy Dugan, Director of the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network. “We encourage coastal Alaskans, everyone in the seafood industry, and anyone concerned about the future ocean to listen.”

Listeners will learn about scientists and communities who are monitoring ocean conditions and researching the effects of ocean acidification on marine life. They will also hear economists and policy experts discussing different policy options, how they work, and what actions are already taking place regionally and nationally that could slow the impacts of climate change on Alaska’s ocean resources.