Chemical aspects of ocean acidification monitoring in the ICES marine area.

Abstract

It is estimated that oceans absorb approximately a quarter of the total anthropogenic releases of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere each year. This is leading to acidification of the oceans, which has already been observed through direct measurements. These changes in the ocean carbon system are a cause for concern for the future health of marine ecosystems. A coordinated ocean acidification (OA) monitoring programme is needed that integrates physical, biogeochemical, and biological measurements to concurrently observe the variability and trends in ocean carbon chemistry and evaluate species and ecosystems response to these changes. This report arises from an OSPAR request to ICES for advice on this matter. It considers the approach and tools available to achieve coordinated monitoring of changes in the carbon system in the ICES marine area, i.e. the Northeast Atlantic and Baltic Sea.