Darcy Dugan (Director of Alaska’s Ocean Acidification Network) & Natalie Monacci (Director of the Ocean Acidification Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks)
Ocean acidification is a growing topic of interest and concern for Alaska communities. Alaska has been identified as a hotspot, and the effects of ocean acidification are likely to have serious implications for fisheries, food security and the economy. Researchers with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are monitoring ocean acidification in coastal waters around Alaska, and are also exploring ecological and socio-economic impacts. In recent years, Tribes, coastal communities and industry groups have joined the monitoring effort. The Alaska Ocean Acidification Network brings together these diverse entities and more to share and expand the understanding of ocean acidification processes and consequences, as well as explore potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. These conversations include “what is the data telling us and how can it help to inform local community decisions?” This presentation will include a refresher on ocean acidification, the primary information needs voiced by Alaskans, and what we’ve learned from recent research and monitoring about conditions and species response.