Ocean acidification (OA) is a global environmental issue caused by the continuing release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This course covers the causes of ocean acidification, associated chemical changes, its effects on marine organisms and the global ocean, how to measure ocean acidification, how to plan appropriate observations in the field and experiments in the laboratory, and the political response to the threat of ocean acidification on the global, regional and local scale.

Learning Outcomes

1. You will be able to communicate the concept of ocean acidification, its causes, and associated chemical changes,
2. You will become familiar with ocean acidification’s effects on marine organisms and the global ocean, 
3. You will understand how to measure carbonate chemistry parameters in the lab and in the field,
4. You will be able to perform quality control and assurance on data and understand how to submit it to global data portals,
5. You will be able to plan appropriate observations in the field and experiments in the laboratory,
6. You will become familiar with the resources and online groups in the ocean acidification community.

Course Topics

• Introduction to ocean acidification
• The ocean carbonate system
• Data quality and management
• SDG 14.3.1 Indicator Methodology
• Laboratory experiments for ocean acidification
• Chemical observations in the field
• Biological observations in the field

Target audience(s) from Pacific Island Countries and Territories:

• Scientists of all career stages and fields, particularly biology and chemistry
• Governmental representatives with an environmental portfolio
• Others who want to address ocean acidification

Language: English

Organizers:

• The Pacific Community (SPC), Fiji
• University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA
• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
• University of Otago, New Zealand
• National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, New Zealand
• University of Hawaii, USA

With support from:  

• Department of State, USA
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA
• FUST (Government of Flanders, Belgium)

Course format:

• Asynchronous: pre-recorded lectures as well as quizzes and reading material
• Synchronous: Live facilitated discussion sessions to answer questions, develop research plans, and discuss local implications

The course contents will be hosted on the OTGA e-Learning Platform (asynchronous work). Synchronous discussions will take place via a video conferencing platform.

Schedule (subject to change):

Week 1: 21-27 Feb 2022

• Welcome
• Module 1: Introduction to Ocean Acidification

Week 2: 28 Feb - 6 March 2022

• Module 2: The Ocean Carbonate System

Week 3: 7 - 13 March 2022

• Module 3: Data Quality and Management
• Module 4: 14.3.1 SDG Indicator Methodology

Week 4: 14 - 20 March 2022

• Module 5: Laboratory experiments for OA

Week 5: 21 - 27 March 2022

• Module 5: (cont.) Laboratory experiments for OA

Week 6: 28 March - 3 April 2022

• Module 6: Chemical observations in the field
• Module 7: Biological observations in the field

Week 7: 4 - 10 April 2022

• Module 7: (cont.) Biological observations in the field

There is no cost to attend the online training. Find registration information at www.oceanfdn.org/register or register directly through this link: https://forms.gle/kvniZnMFNysmreX36 no later than 12 Feb2022.

Contacts

For any questions, please contact Kaitlyn Lowder and Alexis Valauri-Orton at IOAI@oceanfdn.org