Alaska Ocean Acidification Network
The Alaska Ocean Acidification Network engages with scientists and stakeholders to expand the understanding of ocean acidification processes and consequences, as well as potential adaptation strategies.
Strengthening Alaska’s Fishing Communities for a Resilient Future
Climate change is reshaping the Gulf of Alaska, placing marine ecosystems and fishing communities at risk. We’re partnering with Cordova, Kodiak, and Sitka to create adaptive strategies that protect fisheries and support community resilience.
RECENT NEWS
OA in the Bering Sea: two recent studies
Two recent science publications calculated acidification rates in the Bering Sea over the past several decades. Both studies found that surface waters on the Bering Sea shelf have acidified due to carbon accumulation in the ocean (i.e. ocean acidification). There were also some nuances.
Elementary kids learn about chemistry and ocean acidification in Southeast Alaska
This spring and summer, kids in Sitka, Petersburg and Angoon got hands-on experience learning about ocean monitoring, chemistry and stewardship through a collaborative program led by UAF and Sitka Cooperative Extension Service.
How is ocean acidification information used by fisheries managers?
Each year, information collected by over 100 scientists across Alaska and beyond is gathered and synthesized into an Ecosystem Status Report (ESR) for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Starting in 2019, ocean acidification has been included in the Bering Sea chapter. Read the main take-homes from last year, and expect a new edition this winter.
Study looks at chum salmon response to OA
A researcher team in British Columbia analyzed the effects of ocean acidification and food limitation on juvenile chum salmon. Results showed a 3-fold increase in mortality under higher acidity conditions, which was not mitigated by food availability. Learn more in this interview with the researchers.