Real-time acidification monitoring through Sofar buoy and SAMI-pH integration

Ocean acidification (OA) impairs the ability of corals to build and maintain reef structures by reducing calcium carbonate deposition and accelerating the dissolution of existing frameworks. OA conditions can result from both natural pH fluctuations, driven by diel and seasonal variability in biological activity and water quality, and long-term increases in atmospheric CO₂ absorption. Accurate characterization of OA requires precise, high-frequency time-series data, particularly in nearshore ecosystems where benthic community metabolism can cause rapid, localized shifts in carbonate chemistry. However, continuous, high-resolution pH monitoring remains challenging, and most existing technologies lack real-time feedback capabilities. Here, we present a real-time acidification monitoring system that integrates a Sofar Spotter buoy with a Sunburst SAMI-pH sensor. The system delivers continuous environmental data (benthic pH and temperature, surface temperature, wind, wave height, and barometric pressure) and sensor health diagnostics (battery levels and cellular connectivity status) to a public-facing dashboard. This system enables real-time access to high-frequency pH data and provides a modular and cost-effective alternative to larger, more complex platforms such as MAPCO₂ buoys. Increased accessibility supports broader and more scalable monitoring efforts, supporting scientists, resource managers, and policymakers in tracking diel, seasonal, and long-term OA dynamics.