The 6th International Symposium of Ocean Acidification Practitioners
Taking place in Wellington, New Zealand, at Tākina Convention & Exhibition Centre, the Ocean in High CO2 World Symposium will convene October 13-16, 2026 drawing researchers and other thought leaders from across the globe to explore the impacts of rising carbon emissions on our ocean.
While ocean acidification will remain a central theme of the symposium, this edition will also expand to consider other ocean climate impacts, such as ocean warming and deoxygenation, particularly in a multiple-driver context. Research on marine carbon dioxide removal interventions, which are suggested to mitigate climate change and ocean acidification, will also be a key part of the conference.
The OA Alliance is proud to be part of a global network dedicated to strengthening collaboration, sharing knowledge and supporting coordinated action on ocean acidification. We will be coordinating a series of workshops and events across the Symposium ranging from science, policy and communication.
Discover the workshops and events we’ll be hosting:
Advancing Priority Science and Policy Action on Ocean Acidification in the Asia-Pacific Region
Preceding the Ocean in High CO₂ World Symposium, this special session will bring together science practitioners, policy makers, intergovernmental bodies and relevant finance institutions across the Asia-Pacific region to accelerate the coordination of ocean acidification (OA) science and policy uptake across climate, marine and sustainable development portfolios.
Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Time: 9am - 5pm
Location: Mākaro Room, Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre
Rvsp: Jturner@unfoundation.org
Marine Policy Engagement 101 for Early Career Scientists
This workshop will provide an overview of marine policy engagement, designed to support the next generation of ocean scientists with context and tools for contributing to meaningful ocean-climate action. Learn from members of the ocean acidification community engaged in marine policy leadership across local, regional, and international scales, including experts from the OA Alliance.
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm
Location: Rongomātāne C, Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre
Rsvp: Emari@unfoundation.org
Exploring the OA-mCDR Connection: A Community Discussion for OA Practitioners
This special session will include sections on mCDR policy and international landscape assessment, presentations from PIs leading field experiments, discussion about the unique role of OA practitioners in advancing on responsible experiments, and existing resources and capacity builders exploring the relationship between OA and mCDR.
Date: Wednesday, October 14. 2026
Time: 1:45 - 3:45pm
Location: Rongomātāne C, Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre
Rsvp: Afrosch@unfoundation.org
Changing Waters Film Screening & Panel
Learn about ocean acidification and help bring the ocean’s story to life!
Join the OA Alliance at Soundings Theatre in Te Papa for an evening of art and kōrero centered around a screening of our short film, Changing Waters: Time for Action on Ocean Acidification.
You are invited to dive into an interactive art experience! Join local poets in writing haiku about the impacts of ocean change, and decorate your own complimentary tote bag featuring beautiful designs of our taonga species. After the film, we'll chat with local experts about how those species are experiencing changes in Aotearoa New Zealand, and what can be done to protect them.
Ocean acidification is accelerating - yet most people have never heard of it.
In just 15 minutes, this short film brings science to life. Following real people who are tackling climate-ocean change in the Pacific Islands, Latin America, and North America, this film showcases their response to the accelerating impacts of ocean acidification and their calls for action.
This is not a story of doom! On the contrary, it’s about all that we can still save by taking action and following the leadership shown by those who refuse to give up.
Watch the film. Join the conversation. Leave your mark on the ocean’s story.
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Space: Soundings Theatre
Location: Te Papa Soundings Theatre
Cost: FREE
OARS Framework for Action: An Introduction to Co-Designing Ocean Acidification Research for Decision Making
In order to encourage a diversity of ocean acidification (OA) actions across different scales the UN Decade of Ocean Science endorsed OA Research for Sustainability Programme, has developed a framework for co-designing OA Information for Action. The framework identifies decision making categories that guide various user groups in navigating the best opportunities to harness linkages between their science and policy priorities.
Learn how to utilize the Framework to tie your research to management decisions, hear success stories and challenges, and connect with other people who are solving the same problems from different angles.
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 7:30am-8:50am
Location: Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre
Rsvp: Emari@unfoundation.org