Ocean Acidification: The Convergence of Science and Policy with a Concentration on the Sensory Ecology of the Eeltail Catfish Plotosus japonicus in the detection of pH

• Main Author: Twombly, Molly
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Norwich University. College of Science and Mathematics; Norwich University. Honors Program;Norwich University. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Climate change; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: http://archives.norwich.edu/cdm/ref/collection/scholarship/id/40

Ocean acidification is a growing topic of concern in the world today. It concerns marine ecosystems, coastal communities, livelihoods, and the global market. The goal of this paper is to analyze the chemical exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the Ocean. This is done in two spheres: the academic field dictates discussion and research while the political field dictates policy surrounding ocean acidification and climate change. Policies aim to limit carbon dioxide emissions from various sources, such as industrial and transportation sectors, through regulations, incentives, and market-based mechanisms. The focus is enhancing carbon capture and storage, as well as promoting renewable energy sources to reduce CO2 emissions. The challenge with ocean acidification is in the complexity and interdependence of marine ecosystems, making it difficult to fully understand and predict the impacts of acidification on various species and ecosystems. The approach of research for this thesis was through conjunction with an internship with the Wilson Center in DC and the implications of ocean acidification on a specific species of catfish greatly affected by pH change. This paper encapsulates the urgency of the conjunction of policy and science in a media consumable by scientists and lawmakers. Ocean Acidification: The Convergence of Science and Policy with a Concentration on The Sensory Ecology of the Eeltail Catfish Plotosus japonicus in the Detection of pH Molly Twombly Chemistry and Biochemistry Norwich University Dr. Travis Morris Associate Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice Honors Thesis Submitted to the Norwich University Honors Program Norwich University In Fulfillment of the Requirements For University Honors April 2023 1 Abstract Ocean acidification is a growing topic of concern in the world today. It concerns marine ecosystems, coastal communities, livelihoods, and the global market. The goal of this paper is to analyze the chemical exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the Ocean. This is done in ...