Researchers investigate increased ocean acidification
The primary cause of global ocean acidification is the oceanic absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere. Although this absorption helps to mitigate some of the effects of anthropogenic climate change, it has resulted in a reduction of oceanic pH levels, with its own set of environmental consequences. Coral bleaching, algae loss, and decreasing oceanic oxygen levels are all attributable to the reduced pH of the oceans. Additionally, acidification poses a threat to human industry with projected declines in commercial fisheries, the breakdown of food webs, and a decline in tourism as ocean ecosystems and the natural environment suffer degradation. The current pace of acidification is greater and faster than at any time in the last 300 million years, and bears close scrutiny.