The Effects of Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification is altering the chemistry of seawater, causing it to become more acidic. This change in pH can have devastating effects on the marine food chain, starting with the smallest organisms, such as plankton and shellfish, which form the foundation of the food chain.
Acidic water can dissolve the shells of shellfish and make it more difficult for plankton to form their calcium carbonate structures. These changes can have cascading effects on larger organisms that rely on these smaller species for food, including fish and marine mammals.
Overall, ocean acidification has the potential to significantly disrupt the balance of entire marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, fisheries, and the health of the oceans.
