As climate change continues to be a rising concern for global citizens, ocean acidification is an often-forgotten phenomenon that carries widespread consequences. In a world where many species are already feeling the effects of the changing climate, ocean acidification can be a devastating blow to marine life. Ocean acidification is a process in which the acidity of seawater increases.
This process is caused by an increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, which is then absorbed by the ocean. While increased ocean acidity may seem like an innocuous concept, the effects it can have on marine life are severe and far-reaching. In this article, we will discuss the effects of ocean acidification on various types of ocean life around the world and the mitigation efforts being undertaken to stave off further destruction.
What Causes Ocean Acidification?
Ocean acidification is caused by an increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is then absorbed by the ocean. The main source of this CO2 is from burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, for energy. With current levels of CO2 emission, the ocean is absorbing about 22 million tons of CO2 every day. When CO2 is absorbed by the ocean, the seawater becomes more acidic, interfering with the equilibrium of coastal waters.
Impact on Marine Life
The increase in ocean acidity has wide-reaching implications on marine life. Certain species of ocean life require a specific pH balance in order to survive, meaning that any change in pH balance could spell disaster. Most notably, ocean acidification has been linked to the decline in coral reefs and the destruction of oyster and mussel farms.
Coral Reef Destruction
Coral reefs are highly sensitive to the levels of acidity in the ocean, as they need a more alkaline environment to thrive. When exposed to increased ocean acidity, coral reefs dissolve faster and become brittle because of the acid. As a result, coral reefs are dying off at unprecedented rates around the world. This is having a ripple effect on other species that depend on coral reefs for habitats and food.
Oyster and Mussel Destruction
Oysters and mussels are mollusks that require a specific pH balance in order to survive. When exposed to ocean acidification, oysters are more likely to suffer from “shell dissolution,” a process by which the calcium carbonate that forms their shells is weakened by the addition of acid. This can result in malnourishment, infection, and death. Mussels, which also rely on calcium carbonate to form their shells, suffer similar consequences as oysters and are also having to contend with ocean acidification.
Impact on Fisheries
The decline in coral reefs, oysters, and mussels, affects far more than just those species. Entire fisheries that rely on these species for food and business have been eluded. Coral reefs act as home, shelter and food to countless species, providing an important link in their food webs. The decline in these species has caused entire fisheries to become unviable and has had a domino effect on many marine species.
Mitigation Efforts
In a world where species are quickly disappearing because of ocean acidification, steps must be taken to mitigate the damage. One way to do this is through sustainable fisheries management. Sustainable fisheries management involves safeguarding fish stocks, conserving habitats and biodiversity, and utilizing resources in an efficient and sustainable way. This can help maintain the balance in local ecosystems, allowing fish stocks to remain viable and communities to continue to benefit from these resources.
In addition to sustainable fisheries management, reducing the emission of carbon dioxide is essential in combating the effects of ocean acidification. This can be done on a global scale through the implementation of more stringent laws and regulations, as well as initiatives to use renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels. Local communities can also play an important role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions by making small, individual changes, such as reducing their energy usage or switching to biodiesel or electric cars.
Ocean acidification is one of the greatest threats to marine life and ecosystems around the world. As carbon dioxide emissions continue to increase, the ocean is becoming increasingly more acidic and is having a detrimental effect on marine life. These effects are wide reaching, from the destruction of coral reefs to the decline in oysters and mussels, and even the collapse of fisheries. In order to mitigate ocean acidification and its effects, sustainable fisheries management is essential, in addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Only by working together can we hope to save our ocean’s invaluable resources and protect its inhabitants from further decline.
