Coalescing science for policy: Perspectives from a west coast ocean acidification and hypoxia science panel

• Main Authors: Weisberg, Stephen B., Chan, Francis, Boehm, Alexandria
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2017
• 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/61

The continental margin of the North American west coast holds some of the ocean's most ocean acidification (OA)-vulnerable ecosystems. For many of these ecosystems, the intensification of OA will occur against a backdrop of additional changes in ocean conditions including shifts in hypoxia risks and coastal circulation. For decision-makers, whether and how to engage in OA policy-making is challenged by the rapid growth in OA research and the broad uncertainties inherent in projecting complex ecosystem. In 2013, the states of California, Oregon, Washington, and the province of British Columbia convened the West Coast Ocean Acidfication and Hypoxia Panel (OAH Science Panel) to build on regional science collaborations and to meet the need for obtaining policy-relevant knowledge. Results from this effort will be released in March 2016 and will include a series of key messages for decision-makers that are grounded in our evolving understanding of the drivers and consequences of OA and hypoxia. This presentation will summarize the Panel's major findings and recommendations, and share perspectives on science engagement with ocean policy-making.