Ocean Acidification Program

Emily Hall, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist, Program Manager
Worldwide, oceans absorb about one-third of all the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which can lead to a reduction in pH and dramatic shifts in seawater carbonate chemistry. Studies have shown that ocean water is more acidic now than in pre-industrial times and is predicted to approach levels not seen in millions of years.  This is known as ocean acidification. Ocean acidification is expected to impact organisms that depend upon calcium, such as corals and some species of phytoplankton.

The Ocean Acidification Program at Mote was created to research and understand responses of ecologically important species — like corals — to projected levels of ocean acidification. The Program is currently testing methods for using a unique seawater system at Mote’s Tropical Research Laboratory on Summerland Key in the Florida Keys for studies of how corals and other reef species will react to changes in pH levels. This seawater system includes both flow-through and large mesocosm-based designs. 

Studies that provide advance knowledge of potential climate-driven trends in coral growth and health will permit improved modeling for prediction so that resource managers can act to protect key species and ecosystems. Development of the ocean acidification system at Mote’s Tropical Research Laboratory will provide an optimum global research center for examining and modeling effects of ocean acidification on corals as well as other important estuarine and marine species. 

Coral Reefs on Acid: The Next Big Threat
Adapted from Mote Magazine Winter 2011-2012 edition

Some ocean animals — like coral polyps — need calcium carbonate from seawater to build their shells. As the pH in seawater declines, acid levels are expected to go up — but how much acid does it take to affect these animals' ability to survive? And what will its effects be?

Dr. Emily Hall hopes to find out using a new system that will allow her to test the effects of varying ocean chemistries on marine species.

“Coral reefs were one of the first ecosystems to be documented as susceptible to ocean acidification,” Hall says. “The Florida Keys reef tract has already been declining and its problems could be exacerbated by ocean acidification. We need to find out how resilient our reefs will be in the face of changes to ocean pH and how best to restore them. To do that, we need a place to perform tests.”

Hall’s new test facility (pictured at top) — funded by the Protect Our Reefs Grants Program as part of a new focus on ocean acidification — is located at Mote’s Tropical Research Laboratory on Summerland Key. “We think it’s an ideal test bed because our current seawater system uses a deep well pump that pulls in fossil marine water from the local aquifer,” Hall says. “Using aeration, we can change the pH level of the water and see what effects that has on different species, especially vulnerable corals.”

Mote believes the test facility could also be useful for visiting researchers. “Ultimately, we hope scientists from around the world will come to this facility and conduct studies of ocean acidification on coral reef ecosystems,” says Dr. Michael Crosby, senior vice president for research at Mote. 
 
About Us

Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.

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