Among the many potential direct and indirect impacts of greenhouse gas emissions (particularly CO2) and global warming, this study will examine the anticipated consequences of ocean acidification due to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels on fisheries, protected species, coral reefs, and other natural resources in the United States and internationally. The committee will recommend priorities for a national research, monitoring, and assessment plan to advance understanding of the biogeochemistry of carbon dioxide uptake in the ocean and the relationship to atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, and to reduce uncertainties in projections of increasing ocean acidification and the potential effects on living marine resources and ocean ecosystems. The committee's report will: 1. Review current knowledge of ocean acidification, covering past, present, and anticipated future effects on ocean ecosystems. - To what degree is the present understanding sufficient to guide federal and state agencies in evaluating potential impacts for environmental and living resource management? - To what degree are federal agency programs and plans responsive to the nation's needs for ocean acidification research, monitoring and assessments? 2. Identify critical uncertainties and key science questions regarding the progression and impacts of ocean acidification and the new information needed to facilitate research and decision making for potential mitigation and adaptation options. - What are the critical information requirements for impact assessments and forecasts (e.g., biogeochemical processes regulating atmospheric CO2 exchange, buffering, and acidification; effects of acidification on organisms at various life stages and on biomineralization; and the effects of parallel stressors)? - What should be the priorities for research and monitoring to provide the necessary information for national and regional impact assessments for living marine resources and ocean ecosystems over the next decade? - How should the adverse impacts of ocean acidification be measured and valued? - How could additional research and modeling improve contingency planning for adaptive management of acidification impacts on marine ecosystems and resources? 3. Recommend a strategy of research, monitoring, and assessment for federal agencies, the scientific community, and other partners, including a strategy for developing a comprehensive, coordinated interagency program to address the high priority information needs. - What linkages with states, non-governmental organizations, and the international science community are required? - What is the appropriate balance among (a) short and long term research goals and (b) research, observations, modeling, and communication? - What opportunities are available to collaborate with international programs, such as the Integrated Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research (IMBER) and Surface Ocean - Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) projects, and non-U.S. programs, such as the European Project on Ocean Acidification (EPOCA)? What would be the value of coordinating U.S. efforts through international scientific organizations such as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the International Council for Science Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR), the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), and the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES)?The project is sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation, U.S. Geological Survey, and National Areonautics and Space Administration. The start date for the project is September 16, 2008.