Support Coastal and Ocean Acidification and Threats (COAST) Research Act
With the climate crisis continuing to impact our coasts, and general health of ocean ecosystems, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) continues her outstanding coasts and ocean leadership by reintroducing the Coastal and Ocean Acidification and Threats (COAST) Research Act. This legislation will help coastal communities adapt to the climate crisis by expanding scientific research and monitoring of ocean acidification and supporting coastal adaptation strategies. Last Congress the Select Committee on Climate Crisis included the bill as part of the Climate Action Plan - from blue carbon investments and estuary ocean habitat protection to diverging from offshore oil and gas towards renewable energy investments, it's fantastic to see our leaders recognizing the important role our oceans play in combating the climate crisis.
Ocean acidification, or the lowering of the oceans pH, can cause significant impacts to ocean organisms critical for the base of the oceans foodchain as well as the early life stages of many ocean animals. This seemingly simple water quality issue, is actually a climate change issue related to the excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, which dissolves in our ocean and lowers the pH. Surfrider's Pacific Northwest Chapters and their coastal communities have been hit hardest by these changing ocean conditions, experiencing the near collapse of shellfish industries and fundamentally changing nearshore ecosystems. Learn more about what's happening in the PNW and check out some of the monitoring partnerships with our chapters.
The bill passed the House in May 2021, and Surfrider is calling upon the Senate and President Biden to officially put this important law on the books!
Learn more about this important legislation by viewing a recent press release issued by Congresswoman Bonamici. Visit Surfrider's (insert your favorite climate action, blog, resource hyperlinked here) to learn more about Surfrider's climate action strategy.