Ocean acidification: assessing the vulnerability of socioeconomic systems in Small Island Developing States

Ocean acidification poses an increasing threat to marine ecosystems and also interacts with other anthropogenic environmental drivers. A planned response strategy could minimize exposure of socioeconomic systems to potential hazards and may even offer wider advantages. Response strategies can be informed by understanding the hazards, assessing exposure and assessing risks and opportunities. This paper assesses exposure of key socioeconomic systems to the hazards of ocean acidification and analyzes the risks and opportunities of this exposure from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) perspectives. Key socioeconomic systems that are likely to be affected by ocean acidification are identified. A risk analysis matrix is developed to evaluate the risks or opportunities arising from ocean acidification. Analysis of the matrix reveals similarities and differences in potential adaptive responses at global and regional levels. For example, while ocean acidification poses significant threats to SIDS from more frequent toxic wild-caught seafood events and, potentially destruction of coral reef structure and habitat, SIDS may have a relative advantage in aquaculture and an important role to play in global marine ecosystem conservation.This work received funding from the ANU Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) to K.S and LD

Ocean acidification

Increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentration is causing increased absorption of CO₂ by the world's oceans, in turn driving a decline in seawater pH and changes in ocean carbonate chemistry that are collectively referred to as ocean acidification. Evidence is accumulating to suggest ocean acidification may directly or indirectly affect many marine organisms and ecosystems, some of which may also hold significant social and economic value to the Australian community. This report aims to provide a brief overview of the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the process of ocean acidification; current and future projected levels of ocean acidification; and, observed and projected impacts of current and future predicted levels of ocean acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems in the region. This report also briefly discusses potential social and economic implications, policy challenges, and the key knowledge gaps needing to be addressed

Ocean acidification

Increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentration is causing increased absorption of CO₂ by the world's oceans, in turn driving a decline in seawater pH and changes in ocean carbonate chemistry that are collectively referred to as ocean acidification. Evidence is accumulating to suggest ocean acidification may directly or indirectly affect many marine organisms and ecosystems, some of which may also hold significant social and economic value to the Australian community.\ud \ud This report aims to provide a brief overview of the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the process of ocean acidification; current and future projected levels of ocean acidification; and, observed and projected impacts of current and future predicted levels of ocean acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems in the region. This report also briefly discusses potential social and economic implications, policy challenges, and the key knowledge gaps needing to be addressed