The Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) is a collaborative international network that connects scientists across the globe working on ocean acidification monitoring and research. GOA-ON was launched in 2013 to address three goals: 1) improve our understanding of global ocean acidification conditions; 2) improve our understanding of ecosystem response to ocean acidification; and 3) acquire and exchange data and knowledge necessary to optimize modeling for ocean acidification and its impacts. GOA-ON is supported by the IAEA OA-ICC, NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program, and the International Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC).
GOA-ON is organized globally and empowers members working at local through global scales, with over 1000 members from over 100 countries. GOA-ON has 11 regional hubs that were formed through grass-roots organization and foster communities of practice on ocean acidification within a region. GOA-ON also advances collaboration through its biology working group, marine carbon dioxide removal working group, and the International Carbon Ocean Network for Early Career (ICONEC). To join GOA-ON and one of the hubs or ICONEC, sign up using the online form.
GOA-ON experts developed the methodology for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.3.1 indicator on ocean acidification, which is overseen by UNESCO-IOC. GOA-ON works to build capacity for countries to monitor ocean acidification and report data to SDG 14.3.1.
GOA-ON resources include:
- The GOA-ON Data Portal provides information on ocean acidification monitoring platforms and data synthesis products, with links to real-time data available for some sites.
- The GOA-ON Pier2Peer Program is a scientific mentorship programme that matches senior researchers with early career scientists to facilitate an exchange of expertise and support international collaborations.
In response to the UN Ocean Decade, GOA-ON and partners created a vision for the Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability (OARS) programme to minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification through enhanced cooperation at all levels. OARS was formally endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade in 2021 and is expanding on the work of GOA-ON to foster ocean acidification science needed to inform action.
OARS aims to achieve seven outcomes by 2030 related to quality data, science to action, observing strategies, biological impacts, future projections, public awareness, and policy engagement. The OARS white papers highlight key outputs and activities needed to implement each outcome, and the OARS website highlights case studies of ocean acidification science informing mitigation and adaptation actions.