Ocean Acidification Notes

Carbon pollution is not only warming the climate but also acidifying oceans.
Oceans absorb approximately one-third of all CO2 released from fossil fuels since the industrial revolution.
The average acidity of seawater has increased by 30 percent due to human activities.

Ocean acidification is the process where seawater becomes more acidic due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
It affects all oceans, coastal estuaries, and waterways.
This acidification is a direct result of burning fossil fuels and the resulting carbon pollution.
There is no meaningful scientific debate about whether acidification is happening or what causes it; it's based on textbook chemistry and numerous measurements.

When carbon dioxide dissolves into the ocean, it increases acidity.
$CO_2$ and water produce carbonic acid, which releases hydrogen and bicarbonate ions.
More hydrogen ions increase acidity.
Deforestation also contributes to ocean acidification because burning forests releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.

Research shows that the rise in fossil fuels and atmospheric $CO_2$ correlates with the decline of ocean pH.
The consistency between scientific theory and observations confirms that carbon dioxide pollution causes ocean acidification.

The speed of change and its direct impacts on ocean ecosystems are alarming.
Increased $CO_2$ reduces the availability of carbonate, which is essential for shellfish to create shells and skeletons.
Lower carbonate concentrations impact the survival of shellfish.
If acidity rises high enough, seawater could dissolve shells.
Coral reefs have shown declines in calcification.
The Great Barrier Reef has experienced a 14 percent decline in calcification since 1990.
Coral reefs provide shelter for 25 percent of marine species and protect coastal communities from erosion and storm surges.
Acidification exacerbates bioerosion from species that eat away at reefs, and slow-growing reefs can’t outpace dissolution.

Ocean acidification can affect the entire food chain.
The U.S. shellfish industry is vital to coastal economies, providing jobs and revenue.
Unchecked ocean acidification could cause the shellfish industry to lose over $400 million annually$ by 2100.

A 2015 study identified 15 states at risk of long-term economic harm due to ocean acidification:
- Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington.
These states were identified based on their dependence on the shellfish industry, the rate of chemical changes in ocean areas, and the vulnerability of shellfish.
The Pacific Northwest is vulnerable because $CO_2$ dissolves faster in cold water.
The shellfish industry in the Pacific Northwest supports approximately 3,200 jobs and has an estimated economic impact of $270 million annually$ .

Transition to clean energy to reduce carbon pollution from fossil fuels.
Implement pollution regulations for power plants and stronger fuel-economy standards for cars.
Conserve and protect forests, wetlands, and other critical carbon sinks.
The 30x30 pledge aims to protect 30 percent of lands and waters to help ecosystems recover.
Climate action plans should include investments in monitoring, forecasting, and mitigation.
Safeguard vulnerable industries by preparing for and addressing the effects of acidification.
Managers of West Coast oyster hatcheries monitor for harmful acidic water and shut off intake valves when it upwells.
Cultivate ocean acidification-resistant strains of shellfish.
Diversify aquaculture systems.
Cultivating seaweeds like sugar kelp can potentially buffer farmed oysters, clams, and mussels from acidification by absorbing carbon dioxide from the water.

The changes in our oceans due to acidification are significant.
Action is needed to protect our oceans, as their health is crucial for humanity's well-being.