Effects on the Marine Ecosystem
Ocean acidification prevents corals from absorbing the calcium carbonate they need to maintain their skeletons. If the carbonate ions are taken away from corals due to increased acidity in the ocean, then it will be harder for them to produce calcium carbonate, their major component for their skeletons. Corals and reefs will start to dissolve if they do not have this essential mineral. Ocean acidification affects more than just corals. Snails, clams, and urchins also make calcium carbonate shells and ocean acidification negatively impacts these organisms as well. Just like corals, ocean acidification makes it harder for these organisms to absorb the calcium carbonate they need to build their shells.
With the increased in ocean temperatures, it will severely reduce the diversity and resilience of coral reef ecosystems within this century. If carbon dioxide reaches double per-industrial levels, coral reefs can be expected to not just stop growing, but also to begin dissolving all over the world.
The acidity can interfere with basic bodily functions for all marine animals, shelled or not. By disrupting processes as fundamental as growth and reproduction, ocean acidification threatens the animals’ health and even the survival of species.
With the increased in ocean temperatures, it will severely reduce the diversity and resilience of coral reef ecosystems within this century. If carbon dioxide reaches double per-industrial levels, coral reefs can be expected to not just stop growing, but also to begin dissolving all over the world.
The acidity can interfere with basic bodily functions for all marine animals, shelled or not. By disrupting processes as fundamental as growth and reproduction, ocean acidification threatens the animals’ health and even the survival of species.
Economic Impact
Many jobs and economies in the U.S. and around the world depend on the fish and shellfish in our oceans. Ocean acidification will strongly impact on fisheries and coral reefs, which are used for tourism/recreation and coastal protection. If shelled organisms like corals and mollusks die due to ocean acidification, the food web will become disrupted and the marine ecosystem will not thrive.