Ocean Acidification: Warming’s “Evil Twin”
that acidification of the ocean surface is continuing, demonstrated by the steady decrease of global average ocean surface pH. The most intense regional decreases are in the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, the northern tropical Pacific and some regions in the Atlantic Ocean.Projections show that ocean acidification will continue to increase in the 21st century at rates dependent on future emissions, and the report points out that changes in deep-ocean pH are irreversible on centennial to millennial time scales.New ways of studying ocean acidification are being developed
NOC AUVs To Boost Portugal Ocean Science Research
such as ARDITI opens their use to the international marine science community, but also helps to further develop the vehicles’ capabilities and availability, through funding and collaboration.Madeira Island is uniquely placed to explore the deep ocean. The island is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 1,000 km southwest of Lisbon, Portugal. It’s waters quickly deepen to around 1,000m within just 10km of the shoreline, and go to beyond 3,000m water depth beyond 15km.Rui Caldeira, Principal Scientist, at ARDITI, says, “At ARDITI, we’re at the forefront of promoting research
WMO Documents Spiraling Climate Impacts
of the ocean surface is continuing, as shown by the steady decrease of global average ocean surface pH. The most intense regional decreases are in the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, the northern tropical Pacific, and some regions in the Atlantic Ocean.The effects of ocean acidification on habitat area, biodiversity and ecosystems have already been clearly observed, and food production from shellfish aquaculture and fisheries has been hit as have coral reefs.Projections show that ocean acidification will continue to increase in the 21st century
Plymouth Marine Lab: Study Shows Benefits of Cross-Country Plastic Pollution Management
tons of plastic that enters the global ocean annually, threatening marine ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide.Using data on plastic emitted via rivers with models of the ocean and atmosphere circulation, the authors simulated the movement and spatial distribution of plastic in and around the North Atlantic Ocean. These simulations were used to estimate the contribution of each country to the stock of plastic in the territorial waters of all other countries.The team then combined the results of the ocean modeling with economic valuation and game-theoretic analysis to assess the benefits of cooperation
Schmidt Ocean Institute Successfully Concludes Inaugural Antarctic Expedition
;ire was recently awarded the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Environment and Art Prize from the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, California. After one more Antarctica expedition in early 2025, R/V Falkor (too) will spend the next four years primarily supporting research in the South Atlantic Ocean. “This was just the beginning of our journey into polar environments. I am proud of our incredible crew and staff for our first successful voyage into the Southern Ocean,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “Our plan is to visit Antarctica
2024 was Hottest Year on Record
July 2024, have exceeded the 1.5°C level.A new record high for daily global average temperature was reached on 22 July 2024, at 17.16°C.2024 was the warmest year for all continental regions, except Antarctica and Australasia, as well as for sizeable parts of the ocean, particularly the North Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean.Each month from January to June 2024 was warmer than the corresponding month in any previous year on record. Each month from July to December, except August, was each the second warmest, after 2023, for the time of year. August 2024 was tied with
Christmas @ Sea: “Seas and Greetings” from NOC
based in Southampton, have given a glimpse into the holiday season out on the ocean waves, including Christmas carols and – if one captain has his way – watching Frozen.Both research ships that the center operates, the Royal Research Ship (RRS) James Cook and RRS Discovery, are out in the Atlantic Ocean over this Christmas period, delivering or traveling between science missions.But being far from home, family and friends is not hampering the holiday spirit – and even NOC’s underwater robot Autosub Long Range, aka Boaty McBoatface, is in on the seasonal act.The crew onboard the RRS
South African Drought Dust Fueled Record Ocean Bloom
."The study used satellite data to study the causes of major phytoplankton blooms, focusing on the unprecedented Madagascar Bloom in late 2019 to early 2020, which was found to be the largest on record going back 24 years.It’s already known that dust from the Sahara Desert often crosses the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas and that when these particles settle on land or in the ocean, they deliver essential nutrients that may boost plant and marine life growth.However, the relationship between desertification, dust emissions and ocean fertilisation has been poorly understood. The new study, published
BOEM Initiates Cetacean Acoustic Monitoring Program
resources.The partnership is the latest way that the Biden-Harris administration is harnessing technology to responsibly advance offshore wind development in a way that protects biodiversity.The POWERON initiative expands BOEM’s recently established Passive Acoustic Monitoring Network in the Atlantic Ocean, which the bureau launched with $5.8 million of funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, to study the potential impacts of offshore wind facility operations on baleen whales.“Because the construction and operation of offshore wind facilities will occur within protected species habitats
February 2025
