Ocean Acidification: The Call to Protect Our Blue Planet
- Noah Thomas
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
By Noah Thomas
When we think of the oceans, we picture their vast ecosystems filled with vibrant and colorful coral and the sea creatures that make it their home. However, our once vibrant oceans are beginning to lose their color, causing many aquatic organisms to adapt to these sudden changes in acidity and have to make adaptations necessary for their survival, all caused by ocean acidification.
Ocean Acidification
Naturally, the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to regulate it. However, increased industrialization and human activity have caused the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to rise, and as a result, the ocean's natural pH has grown more acidic. Ocean acidification occurs when excess CO2 in the atmosphere is absorbed by our oceans, causing the ocean’s natural acidity to rise. Ocean acidification has been an issue since the Industrial Revolution with the ocean absorbing approximately one third to one half of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere to be absorbed by the ocean. As a result, the ocean’s natural pH begins to grow more acidic and affects marine life negatively. Scientists have estimated that during recent times the ocean’s natural pH has dropped from 8.19 to 8.05, which is a thirty percent increase in acidity. Scientists estimate that in the worst-case scenario, seawater pH could drop to a range of 7.8 to 7.9 by 2100.
Coral Bleaching
Increased acidification causes various issues for the marine ecosystems and wildlife that rely on the ocean, which are facing detrimental consequences due to the increase in carbon dioxide being absorbed by the ocean. One of the organisms that is affected by ocean acidification is coral, which is crucial for many aquatic creatures. The increase of carbon dioxide in the ocean causes a phenomenon in coral called “bleaching.” The higher temperature of the water, due to the increase of CO2, causes microscopic algae to be reduced in the area that is important for coral’s survival. Increased temperature causes stress on the coral, and the algae are expelled from the coral. This, in turn, causes coral’s vibrant colors to fade and to be left with a bleached white appearance. The bleached coral expels the algae from the coral, and the coral eventually dies without any chance of recovery. The loss of coral deprives many aquatic organisms of shelter and a food source. It also eliminates the coastline’s much-needed protection against erosion and storms.
Affected Marine Ecosystems
Other organisms besides coral are also affected by the increase in acidity caused by ocean acidification. Organisms such as oysters and clams are negatively affected by the more acidic nature of seawater. The increase in ocean acidity reduces the concentration of carbonate ions and the supply of aragonite, which are valuable sources of calcium carbonate. Without these, marine organisms such as coral and shellfish will be less likely to have the raw material they need to build and maintain their shells and skeletons they use for survival. Ocean acidification can also cause physiological problems in different groups of marine organisms that can threaten the stability of various food chains and networks. For example, sea urchins rely on calcium carbonate to make their skeletons, which are essential to their support and survival. Scientists believe that under the conditions of an ocean with a natural pH of 7.8, many marine organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to create their shells and skeletons will have less material to work with. This would increase the risks of being eaten by predators due to their decreased ability to build the structures needed for their survival. Larger marine animals such as fish and squid could also be at risk of developing acidosis, which would mean higher levels of acidity in their bloodstreams, limiting growth, development, and reproduction.
Impacts on Human Development
The effects of ocean acidification are not limited to only aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystems. Human civilizations and coastal communities that rely on the oceans for valuable sources of food are also being affected by the changes in acidity caused by the overabundance of carbon dioxide present. Seafood from our oceans is an important source of protein for over one billion people worldwide. However, these sources are being reduced in quantity and nutritional value. Harmful algal blooms are becoming increasingly present and can increase the toxicity of shellfish. Also, the increased acidity of seawater increases the level of contaminants. Contaminants such as mercury, lead, and aluminum are available in highly acidified aquatic environments. The consumption of these tainted sources of food can lead to serious health issues.
How Can We Reduce Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification is recognized as a current and complex issue that has caused significant changes to the environment. One way to mitigate the effects of ocean acidification is to reduce carbon emissions. We must begin transitioning away from carbon-rich fuel sources such as coal, oil, and gas to preserve the aquatic ecosystems important for survival. Another way is to both store and maintain the Earth’s natural carbon sinks. Besides the oceans, the Earth has many natural sources available that absorb the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, such as forests and soils. These carbon sinks will be valuable in absorbing carbon dioxide released through human activities and limiting the adverse effects brought on by climate change. Maintaining these carbon sinks includes the reforestation of forests and protecting coastal habitats to lessen the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans. Globally, nations have received awareness about the issue of ocean acidification, and many are cooperating to put the appropriate policies in place to mitigate the effects being caused. Coalitions such as the Ocean Acidification(OA) Alliance are in place to address the causes of ocean acidification, expand research and development methods, and call other countries to action in creating plans of action to address their own issues caused by ocean acidification. The issue of ocean acidification is still present today, but efforts have been made to address the dilemma and restore our oceans back to the vibrant landscape we know them to be.
Citations
Hancock, L. (n.d.). Everything you need to know about coral bleaching—and how we can stop it | pages | WWF. Everything You Need to Know about Coral Bleaching-And How We Can Stop It. https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/everything-you-need-to-know-about-coral-bleaching-and-how-we-can-stop-it
Fisheries, N. (n.d.). Understanding ocean acidification. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-ocean-acidification
Rafferty, J. (n.d.). Ocean acidification. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/ocean-acidification
Parga, M. (2020, July 2). Ocean acidification is more dangerous for human health that you probably imagined. SUBMON. https://www.submon.org/en/ocean-acidification-is-more-dangerous-for-human-health-that-you-probably-imagined/
Anderson, K. (2025, June 3). Ocean acidification: Causes, issues and solutions - greenly. Ocean Acidification: Causes, Issues, and Solutions. https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/ocean-acidification-causes-issues-and-solutions
Perotti, L. (2025, April 24). U. S. ocean acidification action plan released. NOAA Ocean Acidification Program. https://oceanacidification.noaa.gov/us-ocean-acidification-action-plan/
Fgraba. (2024, April 22). What are the causes, Effects, & Solutions?. Ocean Acidification. https://news-oceanacidification-icc.org/2024/04/22/ocean-acidification-what-are-the-causes-effects-solutions/
Coral Reef Alliance. (2023, November 1). What is coral bleaching and why should you care?. Coral Reef Alliance. https://coral.org/en/blog/what-is-coral-bleaching-and-why-should-you-care/
Writer, T. (2023, December 24). How does ocean acidification affect the economy?.
Ocean Acidification. https://ocean-acidification.com/2023/12/22/how-does-ocean-acidification-affect-the-economy-the-hidden-costs/
cwitkowskiafe728feba.
Ocean Acidification. (2025, February 28). Impacts of ocean acidification on Global Seafood & Solutions required for a sustainable future. https://news-oceanacidification-icc.org/2025/02/28/impacts-of-ocean-acidification-on-global-seafood-solutions-required-for-a-sustainable-future/
