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Project title

Ocean Acidification and Biogeochemistry

Primary Funding Agency

Marine Institute

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

This project aims to achieve two things (1) to increase the capacity of researchers and monitoring agencies in Ireland in the sampling, analysis and interpretation of biogeochemical parameters linked to OA and (2) to address some of the gaps in our current knowledge of the vulnerability of selected marine ecosystems in Irish waters to ocean acidification (OA). Capacity building will be achieved by interaction with national and international agencies and institutions, sharing information and techniques and to make practitioners aware of available facilities in Ireland. Workshops will be run during the project to identify needs in OA research and monitoring, and training will be provided in sampling and data analysis to increase the pool of individuals with these skills. Knowledge gaps will be addressed by supporting and further develop the existing OA observation programme in operation in Irish coastal and offshore waters since 2009, in order to determine interannual variability of the carbonate system and long term trends in OA, by exploring some of the complex biogeochemical processes occurring at fine scales in selected ecosystems, and by studying the larger scale biogeochemistry of ocean waters impinging on those ecosystems. Fine scale sampling will focus on one area of direct commercial interest (shellfish aquaculture) and two of wider importance (kelp beds and deep water coral ecosystems). This project has direct policy relevance to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Water Framework Directive, and Shellfish Directive, and to national legislation on coastal and offshore waters. Data generated will support one of the main goals of Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth � to achieve healthy ecosystems that provide monetary and non-monetary goods and services (e.g. food, climate), and will address the research priorities of Sea Change: A Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland (2014-2020) to support sustainable growth and protect marine ecosystems.

Grant Approved

�649,983.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

01/02/2017

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/01/2021