Thailand‘s contribution to global effort on observation and research in response to ocean acidification

Ocean acidification is considered a potential threat to marine biodiversity, and marine ecosystem services, which has directly impact on countries’ economy. Concern has been raised globally, and research efforts have been gradually invested in measuring the seawater carbonate chemistry as well as the responses of marine organism to ocean acidification. Thailand, as one of the countries that its economy is largely depending on fishery industry and tourism, has put this issue high its national agenda since the past decade. In close collaboration with the regional framework of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (IOC-WESTPAC), Thailand has taken part in the establishment of the Ocean Acidification (OA) programme as prior recommended and required by the SDG-14.3.1. The programme supports capacity development based on the best practices of the acidity of seawater (pH) and related carbonate parameters measurements. So far, Thailand has actively participated in the programme and achieved in developing Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) for carbonate chemistry analysis and biodiversity monitoring in the coral reef ecosystem. Disseminating technical measurement of pH and related carbonate chemistry measurements has been encouraged through publication of the developed SOP and training delivered in close cooperation with the IOC WESTPAC. Based on the developed SOP, the OA monitoring programme has been implemented at agreed suite of representative stations as directly required by the SDG-14.3.1. As a result, several permanent OA observation stations were set up accordingly. The generated data and information from the observation sites have been contributed and shared, in support the implementation of SDG-14.3, through the led implementation of UNESCO-IOC In this regard, Thailand commits to continue its effort in contributing the observation programme of carbonate chemistry in Thai waters to support the implementation of SDG-14.3. The scope of activities set forth in this commitment will also promote the development and advancement in ocean science research as reflected in the indicator 14.a.