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 >
Are you worried about ocean acidification? If so, why?
I am worried about Ocean Acidification. The acidification increases the growth of algae blooms. “Human respiratory issues can be triggered by the aerosolization of natural toxins produced in harmful algal blooms.”(1). Also, seafoods like shellfish “accumulate” (1) toxins from the algae. This is harmful when the toxins they accumulate have poisons, such as paralytic shellfish poisoning. Ocean acidification is also a huge threat to marine life. “Organisms' shells and skeletons made from calcium carbonate to dissolve.” (2). Calcium carbonate helps marine life grow. One animal it’s affecting is oysters, as they can’t grow in these conditions. However, many more animals are affected. “Animals able to survive and reproduce in more acidic waters are likely to become smaller, potentially affecting the food chain that relies on them.” (2). If we immediately stop burning gasoline and oil, in 30-50 years, the carbon at the bottom of the ocean will reach the surface. Ocean acidification may not be a big problem now, but when all of the carbon reaches the surface, it will be.