European Project on Ocean Acidification (EPOCA)

The European Project on Ocean Acidification (EPOCA) was the first international research effort on ocean acidification. The overall goal of this project was to fill the numerous gaps in our understanding of the effects and implications of ocean acidification. EPOCA aimed to:

• document the changes in ocean chemistry and biogeography across space and time;
• determine the sensitivity of marine organisms, communities and ecosystems to ocean acidification;
• integrate results on the impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems in biogeochemical, sediment, and coupled ocean-climate models to better understand and predict the responses of the Earth system to ocean acidification and to assess uncertainties, risks and thresholds ("tipping points") related to ocean acidification at scales ranging from sub-cellular to ecosystem and local to global.

The project has produced evidence of current damage caused by acidification as well as predictions using sophisticated modelling techniques. The implications for all ecosystems as well as effects of ocean acidification on the development of mass-spawning fish species of high commercial importance (e.g. Atlantic cod), have been elucidated. The risks and relevant thresholds — tipping points — have been identified and quantified.