NCEL Helps Spread Ocean Acidification Model from Washington

Issue

Ocean acidification (OA) is the name for the process of the oceans becoming more acidic due to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which harms fisheries, aquaculture farms, coastal recreation, and diversity in the ocean. OA threatens ocean ecosystems, the food chain, and the livelihood of coastal residents.

Action

NCEL partnered with The Ocean Foundation to share Washington State’s suite of legislation as a replicable action. 

Outcome

California, Oregon, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and New York passed laws creating OA panels based on the Washington model to study the effects of OA in their states and suggest mitigation measures.