[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ admin_label=”PAGE TITLE ROW” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-100%||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”H1 Page Title – Gulf of Alaska” module_class=”page-title” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#4d4d4d” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom=”#4d4d4d” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”14″ menu_style=”centered” admin_label=”Menu – Regions” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”|||on|||||” menu_font_size=”16px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”8%||||false|false” border_color_bottom=”#000000″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#4d4d4d” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aoan.aoos.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Gulf-of-Alaska.jpg” alt=”Bering Sea” title_text=”Bering Sea” admin_label=”Image – Gulf of Alaska” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Image – The GAKOA Mooring in the Gulf of Alaska. Photo by Natalie Monacci” module_class=”image-caption” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”13px” text_line_height=”1.5em” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#4d4d4d” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]The GAKOA Mooring in the Gulf of Alaska. Photo by Natalie Monacci[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Row – DESKTOP ONLY” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3px|||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – What We Know” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u200b\u200bThe Gulf of Alaska is particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification due to global human emissions combined with natural local influences. These natural influences include cold water, ocean circulation, photosynthesis and respiration from phytoplankton and freshwater input. There are regional variations in these natural influences that fluctuate seasonally, creating a mosaic of conditions in different locations throughout the Gulf of Alaska at different times of the year.<\/p>\n
Research on ocean acidification is being conducted throughout the Gulf of Alaska through a variety of avenues, including moored sensors, shorebased stations, shipboard measurements, and community sampling. As we continue to collect baseline data, an interesting picture of local conditions in the Gulf of Alaska is starting to emerge: some areas of the Gulf may serve as refuges from ocean acidification, and other areas appear to be developing into ocean acidification hotspots. While we work toward gathering enough information to clearly define regional conditions within the Gulf of Alaska, researchers are developing computational models to help us understand the forces that have historically driven carbon chemistry throughout this ocean basin.<\/p>\n
Seasonal fluctuations<\/strong> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text Box – Gulf of Alaska Regional Profile” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”20px” background_color=”#e6e6e6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|24px|20px|24px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Gulf of Alaska is defined by the curve of the southern coast of Alaska, stretching from Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula in the west down to the Alexander Archipelago and Glacier Bay in the east. These are the traditional waters of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq, Tlingit, Haida, Tsmishian and Eyak indigenous peoples. Important subsistence fisheries in the area include all five species of salmon, halibut, herring, and various shellfish species. The Gulf of Alaska supports highly productive commercial fisheries for the same species as well as groundfish such as rockfish, cod, pollock and flatfish.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Photo Gallery” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#233f6f” text_font_size=”18px” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_4_line_height=”0em” background_color=”#e6e6e6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”2%||||false|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Click to enlarge” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”20px” background_color=”#e6e6e6″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”||1%||false|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n ↓Click to enlarge↓<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”23447,23084,23083″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Row – DESKTOP ONLY” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-2%||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Phytoplankton blooms play a major role…” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Phytoplankton blooms play a major role in the seasonal cycle of CO2<\/sub> in the Gulf of Alaska. In the summer, phytoplankton use up CO2<\/sub> from the sunlit portion of the water for photosynthesis, which typically makes the water less acidic. These organisms eventually die and fall through the water column towards the bottom where they are metabolized by bacteria, creating a type of \u201ccarbon pump\u201d. This results in more carbon-rich (and acidic) water at the bottom.<\/p>\n At the surface, CO2<\/sub> levels are also generally higher in winter than summer months, and they are highest in southeast Alaska. This is primarily due to winter storms that vertically mix the water column, bringing corrosive water towards the surface. Weaker winds in the summer months allow deep water (> 300 ft) that is naturally high in CO2<\/sub> to spread out over the continental shelf without mixing vertically.<\/p>\n Modeling Seasonal Dynamics of OA<\/strong> These natural fluctuations in chemical conditions are driven by the strength of the North Pacific Subpolar Gyre. This gyre is a large wind-driven system of circulating ocean currents affecting the Gulf of Alaska. When the gyre is strong, it brings more deep water rich in CO2<\/sub> to the ocean’s surface. This can raise the acidity and corrosivity, creating extreme events that cause stress to sensitive organisms. However, when the gyre is weak, less carbon is delivered to the surface, which can dampen the observed ocean acidification effect or even reverse it. Because this fluctuation appears to occur on a cycle every decade or so, researchers are now focusing their efforts on the ways that this natural cycle is impacted by steadily increasing ocean acidification caused by human carbon emissions. If we can gain a better understanding of how these two phenomena interact, we may be able to predict when fluctuations will exacerbate regional OA in<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”Row – MOBILE AND TABLET ONLY” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – What We Know About the Gulf of Alaska and OA…” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u200b\u200bThe Gulf of Alaska is particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification due to global human emissions combined with natural local influences. These natural influences include cold water, ocean circulation, photosynthesis and respiration from phytoplankton and freshwater input. There are regional variations in these natural influences that fluctuate seasonally, creating a mosaic of conditions in different locations throughout the Gulf of Alaska at different times of the year.<\/p>\n Research on ocean acidification is being conducted throughout the Gulf of Alaska through a variety of avenues, including moored sensors, shorebased stations, shipboard measurements, and community sampling. As we continue to collect baseline data, an interesting picture of local conditions in the Gulf of Alaska is starting to emerge: some areas of the Gulf may serve as refuges from ocean acidification, and other areas appear to be developing into ocean acidification hotspots. While we work toward gathering enough information to clearly define regional conditions within the Gulf of Alaska, researchers are developing computational models to help us understand the forces that have historically driven carbon chemistry throughout this ocean basin.<\/p>\n Seasonal fluctuations<\/strong> Phytoplankton blooms play a major role in the seasonal cycle of CO2<\/sub> in the Gulf of Alaska. In the summer, phytoplankton use up CO2<\/sub> from the sunlit portion of the water for photosynthesis, which typically makes the water less acidic. These organisms eventually die and fall through the water column towards the bottom where they are metabolized by bacteria, creating a type of \u201ccarbon pump\u201d. This results in more carbon-rich (and acidic) water at the bottom.<\/p>\n At the surface, CO2<\/sub> levels are also generally higher in winter than summer months, and they are highest in southeast Alaska. This is primarily due to winter storms that vertically mix the water column, bringing corrosive water towards the surface. Weaker winds in the summer months allow deep water (> 300 ft) that is naturally high in CO2<\/sub> to spread out over the continental shelf without mixing vertically.<\/p>\n Modeling Seasonal Dynamics of OA<\/strong> These natural fluctuations in chemical conditions are driven by the strength of the North Pacific Subpolar Gyre. This gyre is a large wind-driven system of circulating ocean currents affecting the Gulf of Alaska. When the gyre is strong, it brings more deep water rich in CO2<\/sub> to the ocean’s surface. This can raise the acidity and corrosivity, creating extreme events that cause stress to sensitive organisms. However, when the gyre is weak, less carbon is delivered to the surface, which can dampen the observed ocean acidification effect or even reverse it. Because this fluctuation appears to occur on a cycle every decade or so, researchers are now focusing their efforts on the ways that this natural cycle is impacted by steadily increasing ocean acidification caused by human carbon emissions. If we can gain a better understanding of how these two phenomena interact, we may be able to predict when fluctuations will exacerbate regional OA in<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text Box – Gulf of Alaska Regional Profile” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”20px” background_color=”#e6e6e6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|24px|20px|24px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Gulf of Alaska is defined by the curve of the southern coast of Alaska, stretching from Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula in the west down to the Alexander Archipelago and Glacier Bay in the east. These are the traditional waters of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq, Tlingit, Haida, Tsmishian and Eyak indigenous peoples. Important subsistence fisheries in the area include all five species of salmon, halibut, herring, and various shellfish species. The Gulf of Alaska supports highly productive commercial fisheries for the same species as well as groundfish such as rockfish, pollock and flatfish.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Photo Gallery” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#233f6f” text_font_size=”18px” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_4_line_height=”0em” background_color=”#e6e6e6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”2%||||false|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Click to enlarge” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”20px” background_color=”#e6e6e6″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”||1%||false|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n ↓Click to enlarge↓<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”23086,23084,23083″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Recent Studies…” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code – Script to keep all toggles closed on page load” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Carbon dioxide (CO2<\/sub>) is the main driver of ocean acidification. Increases in human carbon emissions are continuing to create more acidified conditions in the Gulf of Alaska, similar to the rest of the world. However, seasonal conditions impact this ongoing crisis in unique ways.<\/p>\nGulf of Alaska Regional Profile<\/h4>\n
Photo Gallery<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Researchers have developed a computational model of the ocean circulation, chemistry, and biology for the Gulf of Alaska region to get a better idea of how the combination of these contributing processes may have already caused the system to change. They found that, while these processes push the chemical environment closer to harmful thresholds on a seasonal basis, there are natural fluctuations in the climate ocean system that temporarily accelerate ocean acidification every 6 to 10 years, causing \u201cocean acidification extreme events\u201d in the offshore environment.<\/p>\nWhat We Know About the Gulf of Alaska and OA<\/h2>\n
Carbon dioxide (CO2<\/sub>) is the main driver of ocean acidification. Increases in human carbon emissions are continuing to create more acidified conditions in the Gulf of Alaska, similar to the rest of the world. However, seasonal conditions impact this ongoing crisis in unique ways.<\/p>\n
Researchers have developed a computational model of the ocean circulation, chemistry, and biology for the Gulf of Alaska region to get a better idea of how the combination of these contributing processes may have already caused the system to change. They found that, while these processes push the chemical environment closer to harmful thresholds on a seasonal basis, there are natural fluctuations in the climate ocean system that temporarily accelerate ocean acidification every 6 to 10 years, causing \u201cocean acidification extreme events\u201d in the offshore environment.<\/p>\nGulf of Alaska Regional Profile<\/h4>\n
Photo Gallery<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Recent Studies<\/h2>\n