Ocean Acidification(OA) Observing System

Various ocean habitats functions as sites of dynamic biogeochemical cycling including marine carbon cycles akin to terrestrial system. The magnitude and variability of many carbon fluxes are notably high in oceanic environments. To have better grasp of the ocean status, thus the global system, having high-frequency observations of carbon reservoirs and fluxes in the ocean environment is crucial for understanding carbon balance and budgets of ocean and the earth system which will be critical to better prepare and respond to earth's changing climate. Therefore, building upon existing infrastructure, moored autonomous measurements are being established in collaboration with partners from the Pacific small island countries such as PICRC(Palau) and SAMET(Samoa)¹⁾.

The goal of this joint effort, fund provided by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries as OceanAid ODA in project format, under the main partnership between SPREP²⁾ and KIOST, is to establish and help to maintain long-term monitoring stations in Palau and Samoa as well as help to maintain their network system with other systems as part of the global ocean monitoring network system for coral reef areas. Additionally, the project aims to facilitate sharing of relevant technology and capacity building among local specialists from Pacific island countries to independently maintain and operate the observation systems with minimal outside help once the project is completed.

The OA observation system is non-invasive and conducts eight daily measurements of carbon dioxide (CO₂)(air and surface water), pH, temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll. In addition to instrumental monitoring, discrete water samples are collected from OA stations and sent to KIOST for measuring dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and alkalinity. In time, with sharing of technology and capacity building(infrastructure, human capacity), it is hoped that both Palau and Samoa would carry out their own discrete water analyses. This monitoring initiative will enhance our understanding of OA, its influencing factors, and enable the identification of proactive and responsive measures to mitigate its impacts specific for SPREP region especially in Palau and Samoa.

Another OA observation system which KIOST participate in maintaining and operating is locate in Chuuk, FSM about one kilometer from the Korea South Pacific Ocean Research Center(KSORC). This observation system is also a joint project between KIOST and PMEL/NOAA funded by Joint Project Agreement(JPA)³⁾ between the MOF(Korean Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries) and NOAA(US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

• 1) PICRC (Palau International Coral Reef Center), SAMET(Samoa Meteorology Division)
• 2) SPREP(Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme) is a regional inter-governmental organization housed in Samoa. KIOST(Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology) is a semi-government affiliated comprehensive ocean research institute its HQ located in Busan, Korea.
• 3) The JPA is an agreement on marine science and technology cooperation between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF). This provide a legal bridge or instrumental base for scientists in Korea to work with NOAA experts.