Ocean Acidification

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What is Ocean Acidification?

Ocean Acidification, or “OA” for short, is the term given to the chemical changes in the ocean as a result of carbon dioxide emissions.

Ocean acidification happens when the ocean absorbs too much carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. This extra CO2 mixes with seawater and makes the ocean more acidic, like adding lemon juice to water. This change in the ocean’s chemistry can harm marine life.

In Maryland, increased nutrients can also cause acidification of our waters. Those extra nutrients stimulate the production of excessive organic matter in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal bays. As that organic matter decays, it consumes oxygen, and ultimately produces CO2. This process also makes our water more acidic.

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How Does It Affect Ocean Animals?

Many ocean animals, like oysters, crabs, and corals, need a certain kind of water to build their shells and skeletons. Acidic water makes it harder for them to do this. If these creatures can’t survive, it can disturb the whole ocean food chain, affecting fish we eat and other animals.

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Image credit: OA Alliance, ACP, NOAA OAP, and NECAN.

Why Should We Care?

Ocean acidification affects waters near us, like the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Many of the fish and shellfish people catch in Maryland, like blue crabs, could be in danger. This could hurt the local economy and make it harder for fishermen to do their jobs.

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Tracking Ocean Acidification

Scientists in Maryland are studying ocean acidification by measuring how much CO2 is in the water. They use special instruments to track changes over time, which helps them understand what’s happening and what might happen in the future.

Explore Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ water quality monitoring tool and Coastal Acidification from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What’s Being Done About It?

Maryland has programs to help reduce the greenhouse gas and nutrient pollution that causes ocean acidification. The government is also working with other states to figure out how to slow it down. One big way to help is by lowering CO2 emissions, which come from things like cars, factories, and power plants.

Ongoing efforts to restore our Chesapeake Bay is also critical for reducing the drivers of ocean acidification and investing in resilience. Restoring sea grasses, for example, may help to neutralize the acid in the bay, all while improving water quality and supporting wildlife habitat.

Maryland is also a proud member of the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification. Sharing data and best practices with states and nations around the world helps position the state to lead on ocean acidification solutions.

View the Ocean Acidification Alliance Action Plan to learn more about how Maryland is being an international player.

To learn more about Maryland’s work to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, click here.

Help Fight Against Ocean Acidification

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Support Policies

Supporting policies to transition the different economic sectors towards clean energy is vital for progress.

Plant a Tree

Planting a tree can reduce carbon dioxide, and make communities more protected against climate change.

Invest in EVs

Switching from gas run vehicles to electric vehicles will reduce CO2.