Linking science to inform management of the nearshore environment

• Main Author: Feifel, Kirsten
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2016
• Subjects: Fresh Water Studies; Life Sciences; Marine Biology; Natural Resources and Conservation; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2016ssec/climate_change_ocean_acidification/45

The range of carbonate chemistry conditions experienced by organisms varies temporally and geographically within Puget Sound and along Washington’s outer coast. By improving our understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of carbonate chemistry in the nearshore environment, we are able to increase our ability to take actions that may help us prepare for or ameliorate the local impacts of ocean acidification. Areas that are more buffered or prone to changes in carbonate chemistry could be managed differently to enhance social-ecological resilience. Carbonate chemistry variability needs to be adequately described (spatially and temporally) and key biological and physical features identified across the landscape to aid future management decisions and scientific research agendas. Here, we will discuss our efforts to develop a collaborative strategy to couple nearshore monitoring efforts and landscape features with future management and research needs and potential adaptation strategies.