Vulnerability and adaptation of US shellfisheries to ocean acidification

TitleVulnerability and adaptation of US shellfisheries to ocean acidification
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsEkstrom, JA, Suatoni, L, Cooley, SR, Pendleton, LH, Waldbusser, GG, Cinner, JE, Ritter, J, Langdon, C, Van Hooidonk, R, Gledhill, D, Wellman, K, Beck, MW, Brander, LM, Rittschof, D, Doherty, C, Edwards, PET, Portela, R
JournalNature Climate Change
Volume5
Issue3
Pagination207 - 214
Date Published03/2015
ISBN Number1758-6798
Abstract

Ocean acidification is a global, long-term problem whose ultimate solution requires carbon dioxide reduction at a scope and scale that will take decades to accomplish successfully. Until that is achieved, feasible and locally relevant adaptation and mitigation measures are needed. To help to prioritize societal responses to ocean acidification, we present a spatially explicit, multidisciplinary vulnerability analysis of coastal human communities in the United States. We focus our analysis on shelled mollusc harvests, which are likely to be harmed by ocean acidification. Our results highlight US regions most vulnerable to ocean acidification (and why), important knowledge and information gaps, and opportunities to adapt through local actions. The research illustrates the benefits of integrating natural and social sciences to identify actions and other opportunities while policy, stakeholders and scientists are still in relatively early stages of developing research plans and responses to ocean acidification.

URLhttps://www.nature.com/articles/nclimate2508
DOI10.1038/nclimate2508
Short TitleNature Climate Change