Ocean Acidification Task Force Meeting

Public Meeting on Effects of Ocean Acidification in New York

The New York Ocean Acidification Task Force will hold its third meeting to work toward assessing impacts of acidification on the ecological, economic, and recreational health of New York's coastal waters, identifying contributing factors, and recommending actions to reduce and address negative impacts.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Stony Brook University's South Campus, 120 Endeavour Hall, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. (Google Maps)

Ocean acidification occurs when increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, runoff, and/or nutrient influx from land cause the formation of carbonic acid, making the ocean increasingly acidic. This acidity can adversely affect many of the marine animals that call this environment home and on which an important part of our economy relies. Unfortunately, the current rate of change of ocean acidification is faster than any time on record, and New York’s ocean and coastal water environment has the potential to be particularly vulnerable.

The Ocean Acidification Task Force has been established to ensure that the best available science is used to assess and respond to this emerging threat to New York’s marine waters and fisheries.

Ocean Acidification Task Force Members

The Task Force is comprised of 13 appointed members, including experts in climatology, hydrology, economics, marine fisheries, aquaculture, oceanography and ecology.

As per the legislation that created the task force, these members have been appointed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the State Senate, the State Assembly, New York City, and Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as representatives of the New York State Department of State and the Office of General Services. As the lead agency, DEC’s appointee, James F. Gennaro, chairs the task force.

New York Ocean Action Plan

The New York Ocean Action Plan (OAP) has dedicated steps to combating Ocean Acidification (Action 15) and to increase the resilience of ocean resources to impacts associated with climate change. 

The OAP is a coordinated and inclusive effort focused on improving the health of our ocean ecosystems and their capacity to provide sustainable benefits to New Yorkers. Scientists, resource managers, and a wide range of stakeholders will take stock of New York's ocean-related activities and programs.

The goal of the OAP is to achieve better-managed and healthier ocean ecosystems that will benefit people, communities, and the natural world. Grounded in short-term actions to reach long-term goals, the OAP will guide State government funding, research, management, outreach, and education choices.

Review the entire Ocean Action Plan (PDF) to learn more about all its goals and actions.