The ocean is a source of oxygen, water, food, and most importantly a habitat for over 236,878 marine species. If we keep increasing our CO2 emissions our oceans pH level will decrease and it will lead to major acidification of our oceans causing many marine species to go extinct. One of the biggest problems of ocean acidification is what will, and is, happening to phytoplankton, corals, and shelled marine organisms. Phytoplankton ( also known as microalgae ) are microscopic organisms that through photosynthesis produce oxygen and nutrients for other organisms. Scientists say that phytoplankton produce 50%-80% of the worlds oxygen. Without phytoplankton our oxygen levels will decrease drastically and carbon levels in the air would increase which would accelerate climate change and make it quite difficult for humans to breathe. Another thing that will happen if our oceans keep acidifying is that shelled organisms will have weaker shells which will make them more vulnerable to predators. Therefore many would not make it to adulthood which will lead to less reproduction causing them to slowly go extinct. Some of these shell organisms include shellfish, crabs, oysters, urchins, corals, and many more. In conclusion it is really important that we lower our CO2 emissions to protect the ocean from acidification.

Ocean acidification is truly a terrible thing to happen to such a huge part of the world's ecosystem and it is extremely important that we lower our carbon dioxide emissions to reduce the effects of acidification. The increase of pH in the ocean's waters reduces the ability of coral to reproduce. Corals house the majority of marine species so if the reefs cannot reproduce, this would cause the other majority to also go extinct.

Hello, I do agree that we need to reduce our footprints for our beloved ocean as we only get one. As being a surfer and fisherman i do all i can to clean up and respect our water. Many benefits that come from our ocean that many do not realize and the acidification of it will be catastrophic.

Hello, Cel.D.Canada,
     I agree with everything you had to say in this article, I think that there is so much context in this post that I could confidently say that you would know more about ocean acidification than half of the world. You pointed out many good things like how if we keep increasing our CO2 emissions our oceans will one day be so low in their pH level that the marine life will all die. In having such a tragic ending with the ocean I think that many students that think alike on these terms could possibly stop the ocean acidification or at least lower the levels at which the oceans pH level is decreasing and help the rest of the world by starting little and going bigger. I like how you also mentioned how the phytoplankton produce 50-80nof the world's oxygen, and they tie in perfectly with this article because without the ocean there are no phytoplankton and without the phytoplankton, the oxygen levels are going to be so low making it much harder for humans to breathe.

What you said i agree with 100%. Me being someone that’s been on the ocean for the majority of her life, i have a strong feeling about what’s been going on with the ocean lately and the poor reports on it. The acidification of the ocean is not something at should be taken lightly and i feel like there should be more light shown on it. Not only will it be really bad for the marine life in the ocean who will be greatly effected by the rising acid levels, but like you said, humans too. And if anything scares humans the most, its when they are being threatened. We’re selfish creatures unfortunately and that’s really what it comes down to. Save ourselves will be saving the rest of the creatures we share the world with.