Presented by: Bhavik Desai Roll No 30

White paper on: Ocean Acidification

What is Ocean acidification?

Environment Management

White paper on: Ocean Acidification

MARINE LIFE AFFECTED

Marine organisms use calcium (Ca) and carbonate (CO3) in seawater to construct their calcium carbonate (CaCO3) shells or skeletons.

CO2 accumulation and lowered pH may result in acidosis.

Lowered immune response, metabolic depression, behavioural depression affecting physical activity and reproduction, and asphyxiation.

Environment Management

White paper on: Ocean Acidification

CORALs
Dependence on healthy coral reef Very sensitive to temperature change, Bleaching Lowered calcification rates affect the reef s ability to grow its carbonate skeleton

Phytoplankton and Zooplankton

Environment Management

White paper on: Ocean Acidification

Other marine animals

Mussels and oysters build their shells is also lower in a high CO2 environment.
Cephalopods such as squid seem to be particularly sensitive to CO2 increases . Other benthic ecosystems and organisms such as star fish, and sea urchins are also expected to be impacted .

Environment Management

White paper on: Ocean Acidification

Impact on Human Industry

Decline in commercial fisheries and in the Arctic tourism industry and economy
Pteropods and Sea Stars both form the base of the arctic food webs

Environment Management

White paper on: Ocean Acidification

Possible responses
Reducing CO2 emissions Climate engineering Iron fertilization

Environment Management

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