Primary Causes Of Ocean Acidification

The primary causes for ocean acidification include carbon dioxide pollution, an effect caused by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. The carbon dioxide accumulates quickly, entering the ocean and increasing ocean acidity, so fast that the organisms cannot adapt quickly enough. It is most problematic in cold water regions and places where deep water wells up to the surface, as not only would co2 rates rise faster, it is also the location for many fisheries. Coral reefs are also at risk, as they are already sensitive and the high acidity makes it difficult for coral to form its skeletons. The increased levels of acid also deplete molecules that many organism need to form their shells and the harder it is, the more energy they spend and this can lead to them not having enough energy for other mechanisms or activities, like getting nutrients. …show more content…
These organisms cannot form their shells due to the acid and generally can’t adapt to the extreme changes in acidity, so they may die off. This can affect other organisms and the whole food chain, as they are a basic food source for other fish or organisms, who in turn are a food source for other larger organisms like humans. Economies rely on fish of all kinds to sell for food, so without the fish’s food there would be no fishes and no food to sell. Finally, some ways to help ease or stop ocean acidification would be to emit less carbon dioxide and stop burning fossil fuels. Alternatives to fossil fuels are wind, sun, tidal, or geothermal technology. Another way the acidification can be helped is by restoring fish populations and protecting parts of the ocean. This keeps the ocean healthy so it can fight