Understanding Ocean Acidification

• Ocean acidification is a global-scale shift in the ocean's chemistry, resulting in a decrease in the pH of sea water. It is primarily driven by human activities that produce carbon dioxide.
• The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide due to activities such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation is the main cause of ocean acidification.
• When carbon dioxide is added to sea water, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which increases the acidity of the ocean.

Impacts on Marine Life

• Ocean acidification negatively affects many marine organisms, particularly those that build calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals and shellfish.
• Increased acidity reduces the amount of available carbonate ions, which are required by these organisms to build their shells and skeletons.
• Organisms with shells made of calcium carbonate are unable to create and maintain their shells in acidic conditions, making them more vulnerable to predation and disease.
• Other marine species such as fish and squid can also be affected by ocean acidification, as it can alter their behaviour and reduce their ability to avoid predators.

Ecosystem and Economic Consequences

• Ocean acidification leads to the reduction in the populations of key species, which can disrupt food chains and threaten the balance of marine ecosystems.
• Loss of coral reefs due to acidification can result in the loss of habitat for a number of marine species, leading to a decline in marine biodiversity.
• Ocean acidification can have significant economic impacts, especially in communities that depend on shellfish harvesting, fishing, or tourism linked to marine wildlife.

Mitigating Ocean Acidification

• One of the main strategies for mitigating ocean acidification is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry.
• Marine protected areas can also help mitigate impacts by reducing other stresses on marine life, such as overfishing and pollution, giving ecosystems a better chance to adapt.
• In addition, scientific research and monitoring of ocean chemistry and the responses of marine organisms to acidification are crucial for improving our understanding and developing effective responses.

Important: Understanding the causes and impacts of ocean acidification can support informed decisions on measures to minimise this global threat. It is essential to make efforts towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions, protecting marine areas, and fostering scientific research to safeguard the health of our oceans and the diverse life it supports.