What are the implications of ocean acidification for marine ecosystems?
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Implications of Ocean Acidification for Marine Ecosystems
Ocean Acidification and Marine Organisms
Ocean acidification, driven by the absorption of anthropogenic CO2, is altering the chemistry of seawater, leading to a decrease in pH and changes in carbonate chemistry. This phenomenon has significant implications for marine organisms, particularly those that rely on calcium carbonate for their skeletal structures. Studies have shown that ocean acidification negatively impacts survival, calcification, growth, and reproduction across a wide range of marine taxa . Calcifying organisms, such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton, are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on calcium carbonate, which becomes less available as pH decreases .
Variable Sensitivity Among Marine Species
The sensitivity to ocean acidification varies significantly among different marine species and even among different developmental stages within the same species. For instance, organisms that use high-magnesium calcite, a more soluble form of calcium carbonate, tend to be more resilient compared to those using less soluble forms like calcite and aragonite. Crustaceans, despite being calcifiers, have shown less negative impact compared to other calcifying organisms. Additionally, mollusk larvae exhibit enhanced sensitivity, although this is not universal across all taxonomic groups.
Ecosystem-Level Impacts
The effects of ocean acidification extend beyond individual species to entire ecosystems. Habitat-forming species such as coralligenous reefs and seagrass meadows are particularly at risk, with potential cascading effects on the entire marine community and ecosystem services . These changes can lead to a decrease in ecosystem size and a reorganization of energy flows, which may not be optimal from an anthropocentric viewpoint. The alteration in species distributions and abundances can propagate through multiple trophic levels, affecting food web dynamics and ecosystem processes.
Combined Stressors: Acidification and Warming
The interaction between ocean acidification and other stressors, such as warming, can exacerbate the negative impacts on marine ecosystems. Studies have shown that the combined effects of acidification and warming often result in stronger biological responses, either positive or negative, compared to each stressor in isolation. This synergistic interaction highlights the importance of considering multiple stressors when predicting future impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Socio-Economic Implications
The implications of ocean acidification are not limited to ecological changes but also extend to socio-economic aspects, particularly in regions dependent on marine resources. For example, in the temperate northeast Pacific, fisheries play a crucial economic and cultural role. Ocean acidification poses a threat to these fisheries, with potential indirect impacts on finfish through changes at lower trophic levels and habitats. The risk of increased harmful algal blooms, which can affect the lucrative salmon aquaculture industry, further underscores the socio-economic stakes.
Conclusion
Ocean acidification presents a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with profound implications for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being. The variability in sensitivity among different species and the compounded effects of multiple stressors necessitate a comprehensive and holistic approach to research and management. Addressing the root cause of ocean acidification—anthropogenic CO2 emissions—is crucial to mitigating its impacts and preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Meta-analysis reveals negative yet variable effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms.
Impacts of ocean acidification on marine fauna and ecosystem processes
Ocean Acidification and Its Potential Effects on Marine Ecosystems
Impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms: quantifying sensitivities and interaction with warming
Ocean acidification: the other CO2 problem.
Meta-analysis reveals complex marine biological responses to the interactive effects of ocean acidification and warming
Effects of Ocean Acidification on Temperate Coastal Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries in the Northeast Pacific
Impact of Ocean Acidification on Ecosystem Functioning and Services in Habitat-Forming Species and Marine Ecosystems
Reviews and Syntheses: Ocean acidification and its potential impacts on marine ecosystems
Direct and indirect impacts of marine acidification on the ecosystem services provided by coralligenous reefs and seagrass systems
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