Basic Training Course on Ocean Acidification

This Basic Training Course on Ocean Acidification provided participants with the foundations on how to improve ocean acidification monitoring, design relevant experiments, and bring awareness to the West Africa region. This Basic Training Course on Ocean Acidification was designed to give participants from the West Africa region an overview of the topic, including the scientific background knowledge, current research, and potential solutions. By the end of the course, participants had a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by ocean acidification and the critical role we all play in addressing this issue.

The course was intended for scientists from West Africa interested in learning more about ocean acidification. The course covered various topics, including the chemistry and biology of ocean acidification, its impacts on marine ecosystems, and potential solutions for mitigating its effects. The course was taught by experts in the field of ocean acidification, who provided lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities to ensure that participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The course also provided opportunities for participants to network with peers and engage with the broader ocean acidification community.

Ocean acidification is a critical environmental issue that threatens marine life, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Ocean acidification is caused by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) being absorbed by the ocean, resulting in a drop in seawater pH. The West African region, particularly coastal areas, is particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification due to its reliance on the ocean for food, income, and recreation.

This course was a cooperative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Methodist University (UMU) as local organizers, the IAEA Ocean Acidification International Coordination Center (OA ICC), the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) and the Ocean Acidification Africa Network (OA-Africa). It was aimed to improve ocean acidification monitoring, research, and awareness in West Africa. The course trained West African scientists on ocean acidification and how it affects ecosystems, marine life, and human lives.