The webinar, hosted by MARCO (Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean) and the OA Alliance, focused on state-led Ocean Acidification (OA) action planning in the Mid-Atlantic region, highlighting collaborative efforts to address OA through science, policy, and stakeholder engagement.

Key speakers included Massachusetts Representative Dylan Fernandez, who shared insights from the state’s OA commission, emphasizing enhanced monitoring, regulatory updates, and funding mechanisms like Maryland’s “flush tax” model. Jesse Turner of the OA Alliance outlined the importance of tailored OA action plans, linking science to policy and integrating OA into broader climate frameworks. Dr. Jim George detailed Maryland’s OA Action Plan, which prioritizes mitigation, research, and public engagement, while Megan Rutkowski discussed New Jersey’s progress, including joining the OA Alliance and developing a statewide monitoring network. Dr. Grace Saba from Rutgers University highlighted the need for coordinated monitoring to address knowledge gaps and species vulnerability. The webinar concluded with plans for a fall 2021 workshop to further regional coordination and stakeholder engagement, underscoring the importance of balancing monitoring efforts with adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect coastal economies and ecosystems.