NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Research Program: Up and Running

NOAA’s Ocean and Great Lakes Acidification Research Plan (http://www.oar.noaa.gov/oceans/ocean-acidification/feel3500_without_budget_rfs.pdf) establishes a robust but targeted research approach which includes observing, experimental and outreach components.  Particularly relevant to AFS  is NOAA’s growing portfolio  of research focused on determining current and future impacts of changing ocean chemistry on commercial and recreational fishery species and their broader ecosystems, using realistic projections for pH, pCO2 and saturation state.  I will give a brief overview of the extent (geographic location, target species, experimental systems, recent findings) of the fisheries impact work but more importantly provide context for this research within the broader NOAA Ocean Acidification research agenda and those of other federal agencies. The NOAA OA research program, both present and future, includes opportunities for collaboration and partnership with academic and industry stakeholders.