Policies & regulations for ocean acidification

The Netherlands joined the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification in 2018. As part of this, the Dutch government committed to produce an Ocean Acidification Action Plan (PDF). This plan consists of measures to develop dialogue with knowledge partners, improve knowledge development and exchange, and strengthen monitoring. Since then, the Netherlands has been active in monitoring and modelling schemes of the OSPAR Commission. In addition, monitoring of the North Sea’s acidity levels is included as one of the key actions in the Dutch Marine Strategy (PDF).

Part of the North Sea agreement, the program Nature Strengthening and Species Protection Monitoring Survey (MONS) was initiated to research changes in ecosystems, habitats and species due to energy, food, and nature transitions, combined with factors such as climate change and ocean acidification. The program provides insights into how marine ecosystems are affected through a variety of pressures, including ocean acidification.