Often called the "evil twin" of climate change, ocean acidification describes the decrease in ocean water pH as a result of increased dissolved carbon dioxide and other environmental stressors.  While scientists know much about the physical and chemical processes of ocean acidification, we are just beginning to learn about the likely impacts on marine populations, ecosystems, and ecosystem services.  As this science emerges, we are working to synthesize existing science, catalyze new science, and effectively communicate the results to inform decision making at local, regional, and national scales.

Previous Events

Sacramento Briefing - Preparing California for change: Adaptation strategies for responding to local effects of ocean acidification (Sept 2011)

COMPASS hosted a briefing to explore the causes and consequences of increasingly acidified waters off the California coast and how coastal communities can prepare for and adapt to these changes.

Congressional Briefing on Ocean Acidification: Focus on estuaries and nearshore waters (June 2011)

COMPASS and the National Research Council Ocean Studies Board hosted Congressional briefings on ocean acidification in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to explore the sources and implications of decreasing pH in the coastal zone.