Ocean+Acidification

toc = Introduction =

Ocean Acidification is a process that has been changing the layout of our oceans. This a problem that has been occuring ever since we have been emitting carbon dioxide into the air. It was known for many years that these emissions of carbon dioxide was bad for the atmosphere however it was less know about the side effects that it would have on our planet’s oceans and bodies of water. It was a common misconception that our oceans were so strong and large that they could withstand anything. However this was not the case thus creating this problem we have called Ocean Acidification. = = = What is Ocean Acidification =

Ocean acidification has become one of the most important and talked about environmental issues in the world. Simply put ocean acidification is the change of acidity in our waters. Our carbon emissions are causing a change in ph levels, lowering it to be exact meaning the waters are becoming more acidic. It is changing the makeup of the oceants. Many people are asking what does this mean? This harm that we are causing our oceans could mean loss of species, and also economic loss.

Ocean acidification is primarily caused by the ocean absorbing CO2 emissions from the atmosphere. Once CO2 is dissolved into the seawater, it increases the concentration HCO3 which lowers the pH level. The pH levels are changing at a rapid rate in oceans across the world. Ocean acidification is no question destroying the ecology of the oceans at this rate, but I will further discuss more consequences of this problem. There are many contributing factors to ocean acidification. The most prominent cause for ocean acidification and well known reason is the carbon dioxide input into the atmosphere. Almost every human on planet earth has a carbon footprint. Carbon dioxide is released into the air by human activity, and a portion of that carbon dioxide is absorbed by earth’s bodies of water, whether that be lakes, rivers, and or oceans.

This is a growing problem in our modern society because we are very dependent upon gas electricity, and ultimately have a wasteful mindset. The releasing of carbon dioxide has been a problem on planet earth since the industrial revolution. A worldwide problem right now is that we do not have environmental friendly legislation, laws, and practices, and as a result the biochemistry of our oceans are changing. This is a major issue because in order to have a healthy ecosystem to remain intact oceans require a particular level of ph to maintain. When the carbon dioxide is absorbed by a body of water it makes it more acidic. It is estimated that more than a quarter of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere is absorbed by our oceans. Throughout this page I will thoroughly discuss what is causing ocean acidification, how it is altering the ecology of the ocean, how this process is devastating to the economy, and last but not least how to combat this disaster. = Causes of Ocean Acidification =

As previously stated in the page the most well known cause for ocean acidification is the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Which none the less absorbed by the oceans. However there are several causes leading to ocean acidification. The most prominent throughout research are as follows: Environmental Policy, Pollution, and as a matter of fact also shipping.

Pollution is also a contributing factor to ocean acidification. ( [|__Pollution__] ) and ocean acidification facilitate each other. Similar to the way that pollution is let into the atmosphere ultimately is absorbed by earth’s bodies of water. It is also true that areas near ports and heavily frequented areas also are the most acidic. Thus showing that direct pollution to the waters and also pollution to the air are both affecting ocean acidification.
 * Pollution **

Since it becomes evident that the carbon footprint is problem for ocean acidification. It seems pretty simple, make laws against output. However, this is not the case. A problem for or oceans is that it’s hard for lobbyist to make a case before it is too late ( [|__Policy__] .) In order to protect the environment and in particular the oceans there needs to be a set of laws that prohibits or penalizes companies that have large carbon dioxide outputs. Ever since the industrial revolution, we have seen companies burn fossil fuels and pollute to the extent that it is causing problems like ocean acidification and global war ming.
 * Environmental Policy **

One less widely known causes for ocean acidification is shipping. The way that we transport goods internationally is in fact contributing to ocean acidification. Shipping contributes to ocean acidification. Anthropogenic acidification refers to human caused. Shipping is human activity that not only releases CO2, but also releases nitrogen and sulfur onto the surface of the water. Samples collected throughout heavily trafficked shipping routes show that nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are also contributing to ocean acidification. These sulfur and nitrogen oxides have a similar effect as CO2 in regards to ocean acidification. In order to take steps to reducing the problem shipping routes may have to be changed, which will have an impact on the economy. This will have an everlasting impact on how we ship and could certainly have an impact on efficiency ( __Shipping and OA__ .)
 * Shipping **

= Altering the Ecology =

Ocean acidification is drastically impacting the ecology of our oceans. Ocean acidification has had a negative effect on marine ecology. Ocean Acidification has shown to have an impact on how marine organisms reproduce, grow and their overall survival ( [|__Ecology__] ). Ocean acidification is detrimental to coral reefs. These reefs are home to many marine organisms and coral bleaching and ocean acidification go hand and hand. Without these reefs, marine organisms are going to have to adapt, and some will not survive ( [|__Coral reefs__] ). With the pH levels changing, there has been a large impact on marine animals that rely on a shell to survive. For example, shrimp need to be able to calcify in order to grow and maintain their shells. This will have an impact on their survival since they rely on this shell for protection ( [|__Shrimp Impact__] ). The ecology of our oceans is being severely altered because of Ocean acidification. Marine organisms will not be able to adapt at the rate in which the pH levels are changing. Research has already shown that ocean acidification has impacted how organisms reproduce, grow, and also survive. = = = Effect on the Economy =

= = Ocean acidification will have an everlasting impact on the economy. While the effect ocean acidification will have on the ecology is important, it is also important to recognize the destruction of oceans’ relationship with our economy. First of all, the commercial fishing industry could be ruined. The multi-million dollar industry employs thousands of people. Overfishing was once the biggest threat to the industry, but now it is being threatened by global warming’s evil twin ocean acidification. The ecology of the oceans has impacted the fishing industry because its effect on the growth and reproduction of fish. So, we know that commercial fisheries will be impacted greatly. Evidently, the tourism economy could potentially see a big hit as well. When people do excursions on vacation, whether that be snorkeling or maybe a fishing, both are impacted greatly by ocean acidification. The tourism industry is a multi-billion dollar industry being affected by ocean acidification. The reefs are being destroyed and places like Australia rely on the Great Barrier Reef for tourism. The recreational fishing industry is ruined as well. The shellfish industry is in danger because the pH levels make it impossible for them to calcify their shell. This multi-million dollar industry could be ruined if drastic changes are not made, not to mention all the people that rely on this industry for food. The everlasting impact on the economy could also mean a food scarcity. At the rate at which this is all happening people may not know where their next meal is coming from. Countries that have relied and currently rely on fish for food are going to have to adapt to agriculture and livestock, and the industry is changing a lot faster than these nations can adapt. ( [|__Shellfish economy__] )

One place that certainly is seeing a hit is the pacific northwest. In this article [|__PNW__], it refers to the state Washington. There shellfish industry is home to more 3200 hundred jobs and its industry is valued 270 million dollars. = Conclusion: How to combat OA? =

70% of the world is covered by oceans and thinking about what we can do to make a positive difference in something so massive and widespread is intimidating; however, making sacrifices and lifestyle changes are necessary to stop ocean acidification at which it is happening. The widely agreed upon opinion of slowing down ocean acidification is reducing our CO2 output. Overall change starts with “greener” transportation, whether that be the car that we drive or how shipping internationally is managed and monitored. This goes further than the individual. This is going to have to be a collaborative effort that starts with educating our people about the effects of our actions on our environment. A lot of people are aware of global warming, but it needs to be a world wide effort to educate the population on ocean acidification. There needs to be stricter laws put in place against factories and corporations that produce carbon dioxide in excess in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Sacrificing the atmosphere and our oceans that we rely on so heavily, to make a bigger profit is something that in the long run is going to hurt our environment, marine life, and economy even more. = Discussion =

Throughout research and data it becomes evident that this a major issue threatening society. There has been experiments conducting showing the effects of ocean acidification. It also important to pay attention to what can be done to stop prevent it from getting worse.

= __References__ = T. Friedrich et al, "Detecting regional anthropogenic trends in ocean acidification against natural variability," Nature Climate Change, vol. 2, (3), pp. 167-171, 2012.

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S. R. Cooley et al, "Community-level actions that can address ocean acidification," Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 2, 2016.

Narita et al, “Economic impact of ocean acidification on shellfish production in Europe” Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 03/2017, Vol 60. Pp 500 - 518 2016

Ocean Acidification, edited by Jean-Pierre Gattuso, and Lina Hansson, OUP Oxford, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ucb/detail.action?docID=1114960. Joel B. Eisen, Smart Regulation and Federalism for the Smart Grid, 37 Harv. Envtl. L. Rev. 1, 56 (2013

Marine pollution bulletin, ISSN: 1879-3363, Vol: 91, Issue: 1, Page: 14-21 Publication Year: