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Ocean Acidification Research Center

Ocean acidification (OA) is the result of anthropogenic increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide that is later absorbed by the ocean. This change in ocean chemistry makes the global oceans more acidic. Concerns over increasing acidity in Alaska and how this phenomenon will impact Alaska’s marine resources spurred the creation of the Ocean Acidification Research Center (OARC) within the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) at the 51�������� (51��������).

We monitor the marine carbonate system in all of Alaska’s large marine ecosystems including the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea. This map highlights the oceanographic stations where we have made observations. Data collected at these sites are public access with links on our Data Resources page.

Monitoring OA in Alaska is critical because this region will experience the effects faster and to a greater degree than in lower latitudes due to colder water temperatures, ocean circulation patterns, and highly productive continental shelves. These characteristics act to enhance the transport of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean, which may accelerate acidification. We partner with other groups monitoring OA through the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network () and the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network ().

Links

Here are a few helpful links to learn more information about OA research in Alaska and around the globe.

For more information, please email oarc@cfos.uaf.edu, visit us on X  or on Bluesky .