Monitoring coastal and ocean acidification (COA) at the regional level can help to resolve local spatiotemporal carbonate system variability while honing in on locally important ecosystem, species, and socioeconomic impacts.

In order to better understand coastal and ocean acidification monitoring in the Mid-Atlantic region, MACAN has developed a dataset comprising sampling locations and methodology employed at carbonate system sampling sites across the region. Available on the MARCO Ocean Data Portal, this dataset compiles information about sites where pCO2, pH, Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC), or Total Alkalinity (TA) are measured and is meant to assist in the development of a robust monitoring network in the Mid-Atlantic as per the goals of the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN) and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan.

An analysis of the dataset is underway to better understand the breadth of Mid-Atlantic carbonate system sampling and monitoring efforts and to identify regional gaps. GIS spatial analyses will capture where sampling is occurring with respect to key coastal ecosystems, processes that may alter acidification patterns, and socioeconomic vulnerability to COA. Methodology, data quality, and frequency of sampling will also be assessed at each site. These analyses will be conducted at the regional and state level, and detailed in a report and state-specific factsheets.