Topic B: Ocean acidification and coral reefs
Introduction
• Ocean acidification is a reduction in the pH of the water in the ocean as a result of increased carbon dioxide uptake in the ocean due to humans burning fossil fuels at such a high rate.
• Unless drastic changes are made in regards to CO2 emissions, the rate of ocean acidification is projected to significantly increase over the next century. It is currently estimated that without any changes the pH of the oceans will be 7.8 by 2100 ( ).
• Climate change and its negative impacts on…
• List all points that will be discussed
PARAGRAPH 1 - Ocean acidifications potential to affect coral (focus on individual coral colony)
Ocean acidification alters a range of marine ecosystems by damaging foundation organisms, such as living corals. Coral contains calcium carbonate, a mineral that is used to form the supporting skeletal structures found in many marine organisms (2 ). Calcium …show more content…
Humans rely on the oceans as a resource for food; seafood is a common addition to people’s diets. However, ocean acidification will negatively impact ocean species such as shellfish as they will be unable to produce tough shells due to decreased carbonate ion concentrations. An example of a food source already impacted is oysters in the Pacific Northwest, where larvae have responded negatively to acidic conditions, leading to a decline in the survival and growth of young larvae (4). This has also threatened a large industry rhar has an overall economic value of US$278 million in 2009 (4). This presents an issue as mussels are a large food source for many sea creatures and could harm the ocean food chain, putting a strain on the seafood industry. Another impact on deteriorating coral reefs is the effect on the eco-tourism industry that receives its revenue from showcasing coral
Introduction
• Ocean acidification is a reduction in the pH of the water in the ocean as a result of increased carbon dioxide uptake in the ocean due to humans burning fossil fuels at such a high rate.
• Unless drastic changes are made in regards to CO2 emissions, the rate of ocean acidification is projected to significantly increase over the next century. It is currently estimated that without any changes the pH of the oceans will be 7.8 by 2100 ( ).
• Climate change and its negative impacts on…
• List all points that will be discussed
PARAGRAPH 1 - Ocean acidifications potential to affect coral (focus on individual coral colony)
Ocean acidification alters a range of marine ecosystems by damaging foundation organisms, such as living corals. Coral contains calcium carbonate, a mineral that is used to form the supporting skeletal structures found in many marine organisms (2 ). Calcium …show more content…
Humans rely on the oceans as a resource for food; seafood is a common addition to people’s diets. However, ocean acidification will negatively impact ocean species such as shellfish as they will be unable to produce tough shells due to decreased carbonate ion concentrations. An example of a food source already impacted is oysters in the Pacific Northwest, where larvae have responded negatively to acidic conditions, leading to a decline in the survival and growth of young larvae (4). This has also threatened a large industry rhar has an overall economic value of US$278 million in 2009 (4). This presents an issue as mussels are a large food source for many sea creatures and could harm the ocean food chain, putting a strain on the seafood industry. Another impact on deteriorating coral reefs is the effect on the eco-tourism industry that receives its revenue from showcasing coral