Monitoring ocean acidification
Ocean acidification threatens marine wildlife, people’s livelihoods, cultural traditions, and the state’s economy. We work with scientists, policymakers, and industry experts to respond to ocean acidification and other adverse effects from a changing climate. We are the first state in the country to develop a monitoring program to track the impacts of ocean acidification on local waters.
We measure marine water conditions across Puget Sound and in coastal estuaries to understand the pace of ocean acidification. We also use the Salish Sea Model, a robust computer modeling tool, to estimate the global and regional impact of ocean acidification in Washington. Our monitoring results show that:
- Deeper waters in Puget Sound are more corrosive than shallow waters, creating harsh conditions for animals that live on the ocean floor.
- Sensitivie animals have a limited 'window of opportunity' to take advantage of favorable water conditions.
- Water conditions change based on season: favorable conditions for shellfish and salmon occur during spring and summer months, and unfavorable conditions occur in fall and winter months.
Ocean acidification indicator
Carbon emissions are altering marine food webs and affecting senstive animals. We're seeing seasonal changes and a decline in favorable water conditions. Click on the image to expand it.
Using our data, we created the ocean acidification indicator to track and visualize how marine water conditions are changing. The indicator is a data tool that helps us communicate information about how carbon emissions are changing Puget Sound and coastal waters in Washington.
The indicator is measured as the number of days in a year when marine water conditions are favorable for marine animals. It is a window of opportunity for oysters, crabs, and young salmon to grow and thrive. Our research helps us pinpoint two annual timeframes:
- The range of days when water conditions are favorable, which is the ocean acidification indicator.
- The range of days when water conditions are corrosive, making it difficult for shellfish and salmon survive.
Ocean acidification is a global problem with local impacts in Washington that require unique actions. We are identifying solutions and providing critical information needed to adapt to and minimize ocean acidification. We are taking three key policy actions will help us reduce the impacts of ocean acidification:
- Reducing greenhouse gases from electricity, industrial processes, and transportation to slow climate change.
- Lowering carbon emissions and investing in climate resiliency prjects through the Climate Commitment Act program.
- Reducing excess nutrients from nitrogen and carbon that hinder healthy aquatic life.
In 2012, Washington developed a comprehensive strategy for action to address ocean acidification. The strategy lists 42 actions that increase Washington’s capacity to understand, reduce, and adapt to ocean acidification. In 2017, the Marine Resources Advisory council updated the strategy and clarified recommendations. The update focuses statewide work into six overarching categories:
- Reducing carbon emissions.
- Reducing local land-based contributions to ocean acidification.
- Increasing our ability to adapt to and remediate the impacts of ocean acidification.
- Investing in monitoring and scientific investigations.
- Informing, educating and engaging stakeholders, the public and decision makers.
- Maintaining a sustainable and coordinated focus on ocean acidification.
To expand our efforts, we are working with partners across Washington state and other west coast states. We are investing in science to evaluate policies that can reduce regional ocean acidification beyond Washington's marine waters. Learn more about our partnerships in the related links below.
Related links
Contact information
Mugdha Flores
Communications — Media contact
mugdha.flores@ecy.wa.gov
360-628-7692
Micah Horwith
Ocean acidification senior scientist
micah.horwith@ecy.wa.gov
360-485-5473