Coastal Acidification Networks (CANs) are regional networks of diverse ocean users interested in addressing ocean and coastal acidification in the United States. CANs play a critical role in supporting regional monitoring, community engagement, and capacity building and sharing on topics relevant to ocean and coastal acidification, including adaptation and mitigation strategies and state action planning.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) provides funding to all CANs. In addition, funding for CANs is also provided by different region-specific organizations. The seven CANs make up the OAP Community of Practice.

The CANs work at the intersection of science, policy, industry, and education and outreach. They bring together researchers, industry, state agencies, educators and others to leverage expertise and collectively address common challenges and develop locally relevant adaptive strategies to ocean acidification. The CANs are embedded in the regional associations of Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and Regional Ocean Partnerships and operate with funding support from NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program as well as other state and federal grants.

For more information on how you can get involved contact Alexandra Puritz (alexandra.puritz@noaa.gov).