In addition to the famous impacts of atmospheric carbon on global warming, there is an equally worrisome effect of carbon dioxide on the oceans: ocean acidification (or OA for short). Here at I2SEA we have a series of resources about OA, including Our Acidifying Ocean, which is an introductory activity and virtual lab (note: now mobile compatible!).
A student suggested that we start a conversation topic about OA, and here it is! Have you heard about Ocean Acidification? If so, are you worried about it? How do you think we can best raise awareness about it among your fellow students and the general public? Have you seen particularly good links or films about OA that you would like to share? What are you doing to address the problem?
Ocean Acidification >
Noise Pollution’s Role in the Ocean
The obvious forms of water pollution is sewage, fertiliser runoff, and plastic/trash. One that not many people know about is noise pollution. Since humans have been advancing, we’ve created more noise (airplanes, factories, stores, boats, sonar, etc.)
This noise harms animals who use echolocation and also stresses out marine life. Most marine animals use sound as their main way of communication and seeing because it’s difficult to see visually in the ocean. Extra noise confuses them and can even cause baby marine animals to get lost from their group.