News Highlight
A team of researchers has flagged the changing chemistry of the western region of the Arctic Ocean.
Key Takeaway
- The team discovered acidity levels were increasing three to four times faster than ocean waters elsewhere.
- The team also identified a strong correlation between the accelerated rate of melting ice and the rate of ocean acidification.
What is Ocean Acidification?
- Ocean acidification refers to a reduction in the pH of the ocean over an extended period of time.
Causes of Ocean Acidification
- The industrial revolution:
- The industrial revolution and subsequent development led to the emission of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) into the atmosphere.
- Unscientific use of fertilizers:
- Excess nutrients from runoff and fertilisers can cause increases in algal growth. When these algal blooms die, they consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Pollution and fertilizers are other mechanisms by which carbon dioxide can increase in our coastal waters, threatening our waterways close to home.
- A decrease in carbonate ions:
- The pH of seawater gets lower as it becomes more acidic, this process binds up carbonate ions and makes them less abundant—ions that corals, oysters, mussels, and many other shelled organisms need to build shells and skeletons.
- Inadequate implementation of environmental laws and regulations:
- Even though there are environmental laws and conventions (The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea -UNCLOS), poor implementation of these laws and regulations also leads to ocean acidification.
Consequences of Ocean Acidification
- Corals:
- The reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea.” About 25% of the ocean’s fish depend on healthy coral reefs. Fishes and other organisms shelter, find food, reproduce, and rear their young in the many nooks and crannies formed by coral.
- Ocean acidification will affect corals. This will, in turn, affect one million species that have made corals their homes.
- Food security:
- Ocean acidification has the potential to affect food security. One of the main services provided by the oceans to human societies is the provisioning service of food from captured fisheries.
- By 2100, the global annual costs of mollusc loss from ocean acidification could be over US$100.
- Coastal protection:
- Marine ecosystems such as coral reefs which protect shorelines from the destructive action of storm surges and cyclones will be affected.
- Ocean acidification is affecting the coastal estuaries and waterways.
- Carbon storage and climate regulation:
- The capacity of the ocean to absorb Carbon dioxide (CO2) decreases as ocean acidification increases.
- More acidic oceans are less effective in moderating climate change.
- Tourism:
- This industry could be severely affected by the impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems
- Acidification could damage the Arctic tourism economy and affect the way of life of indigenous peoples.
Way forward
- Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions:
- Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) is the main solution to ocean acidification.
- Improvements in water quality:
- Monitoring and regulating localized sources of acidification from runoff and pollutants such as fertilizers.
- Sustainable management of habitats:
- Increasing coastal protection, reducing sediment loading, and applying marine spatial planning.
- Awareness generation:
- Educate or sensitise the common citizens on the risks posed by climate change and ocean acidification.
Pic Courtesy: the Telegraph
Content Source: Indian express