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 >
Improved Fisheries
Improved Fisheries can decrease fuel usage of fishing to 68.59–95.93 million metric tons by 2050. Also, fishing at the maximum sustainable yield (the maximum level a natural resource can be consistently used without depletion) and letting fish populations regrow could be applied on 6–8 million metric tons of fish brought on shore by 2050. This reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.01–1.54 gigatons by 2050. Many fisheries release carbon because of fishing vessel fuel, reduced fish carbon storage, and reduced carbon storage in ocean floor, which gets disturbed by bottom trawls. It’s estimated that the global CO2 emissions from main engine fuel in marine fisheries range from 130 - 207 million metric tons annually. Actions such as purchasing sustainable seafood or working to change government policies that promote overfishing/inefficient use of fishing boats.