With animated graphics breaking down the complex process of acidification, students can better understand how changes in pH affect life underwater.

In this four-part educational video series about Coastal and Ocean Acidification in the Mid-Atlantic, we’ll introduce you to the sources of coastal and ocean acidification, the impacts of more acidified waters on coastal habitats, fisheries, and the people whose livelihoods rely on them, and the technology scientists are developing to monitor acidification and remove carbon dioxide from the ocean. After learning the causes, impacts, and some innovative solutions currently underway, find out what actions you can take to protect your coastal waters from future acidification.

Teachers and informal educators can pair these videos with the Coastal Acidification in the Classroom Curriculum developed in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Spanish closed caption versions are available for each video.

Contact info@midacan.org for more information. 

(Spanish Subtitle Version)

Coastal communities in the Mid-Atlantic depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and becomes more acidic (lower pH), small changes in the food chain can ripple up to the seafood caught and sold locally. Dive in with ocean advocate Eva as she breaks down the sources of ocean and coastal acidification, its impacts on shellfish and the local economy, and actions students can take locally to protect and preserve the ocean from future acidification. We’ll also explore how new carbon removal strategies are becoming part of the solution. (9:00 Min) (Suggested Grades: 6-12) 

(Spanish Subtitle Version)

Ocean Acidification challenges/threatens the livelihoods of shellfish growers, seafood dealers, and commercial fishermen in the Mid-Atlantic. Learn firsthand from three local growers and fishermen about the impacts they’ve observed to oysters, clams, and finfish, the business challenges they’re facing, and the ways they’re adapting their hatchery operations and fishing practices in response to climate change. (5:30 min) (Suggested Grades: 9-12) 

(Spanish Subtitle Version)

In the Mid-Atlantic’s coastal waters, oysters and seagrass provide important habitat for fish and crabs. They also filter out nutrients that cause algal blooms (eutrophication). When faced with ocean acidification, do these habitat builders always lose? In this video, we explore how oysters and seagrass differ in their responses to acidification and what this means for local estuaries and ecosystems. You’ll also learn about community actions that can be taken to prevent ocean acidification and protect these critical habitat builders. (4:30 min) (Suggested Grades: 9-12) 

(Spanish Subtitle Version)

Technological advances in acidification monitoring and ocean carbon dioxide removal can help reduce ocean acidification’s impacts to Mid-Atlantic fisheries and local economy. In this video, we explore how scientists use underwater robots (gliders) to help fishery managers identify “hotspots” of acidification. Find out how innovative carbon removal strategies like enhancing the ocean’s ability to buffer acidity and mineral weathering can be part of the solution. (5:00 min) (Suggested Grades: 9-12)