An International Observational Network for Ocean Acidification

Abstract

An integrated international interdisciplinary program of ship-based hydrography, time-series moorings, floats and gliders with carbon system, pH and oxygen sensors, and ecological surveys is recommended to determine the large-scale changes in the properties of ocean water and the associated biological responses to ocean acidification. By carefully coordinating ocean acidification requirements with the future research plans of the ocean carbon and biological communities, and adding additional sensors and moorings where needed, many of the research requirements of the ocean-acidification community can be met for open-ocean regions. For coastal environments, a large network of new hydrographic and ecological surveys, moorings and floats will be required to provide a coastal observing system for ocean acidification. These activities will require a coordinated international research effort that is closely linked with other international carbon research programs, such as the CLIVAR/CO2 Repeat Hydrography Program. Many of the data synthesis activities, data archiving and international data management activities could be shared between the carbon and ocean acidification programs. Presently, many countries are engaged in ocean acidification research and monitoring activities. For example, the European ocean acidification community has developed a major multi-nation program (EPOCA). The total cost of the present observational efforts for ocean acidification is estimated at about $10 Million US dollars per year. We estimate that the cost of an expanded international observational program as described below to be approximately $50 Million US dollars per year.