Ocean acidification creates legacy of stress for red abalone. (2023, December 6). UC Davis. https://www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news/ocean-acidification-creates-legacy-stress-red-abalone

Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have uncovered a concerning link between ocean acidification and the long-term stress experienced by red abalone. Published in the journal Global Change Biology, the study reveals that exposure to ocean acidification during crucial life stages can have lasting impacts within and across generations of red abalone. The research, conducted at the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory, showed that early-life exposure decreased the abalones’ adult growth rate, reduced reproductive potential, and negatively affected the survival and growth of the next generation. The findings emphasize the need for conservation efforts, especially for this critically endangered species endemic to California, as the impact of ocean acidification on red abalone may have far-reaching consequences.

This article examines the impact of ocean acidification on red abalone, a species that already faces numerous threats. The study emphasizes the importance of tackling environmental stresses such as carbon dioxide emissions, which cause ocean acidification, in order to protect marine ecosystems. The interdependence of environmental elements, ranging from habitat degradation and climate change to the reduction of kelp forests, presents a serious conservation issue for red abalone. Red abalone’s challenges illustrate the larger dilemma of combining human activity with biodiversity conservation. The study emphasizes the importance of taking proactive actions to alleviate the effects of ocean acidification on vulnerable marine species, as well as raising awareness about the complex interaction between environmental stressors and ecosystem health.

De Barcelona, U.-. U. A. (2023, October 11). Ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is already affecting the calcification of marine plankton. UAB Barcelona. https://www.uab.cat/web/news-detail/ocean-acidification-in-the-mediterranean-is-already-affecting-the-calcification-of-marine-plankton-1345721847335.html?noticiaid=1345900262048

According to an ICTA-UAB-led study, ocean acidification is already affecting marine plankton calcification in the Mediterranean. The study, done in partnership with institutions in the United Kingdom and Germany, examined records from the Alboran Sea, off the coast of Barcelona, and the Strait of Sicily over the last two thousand years. The study focused on foraminifera, a form of marine calcifying zooplankton, and found that anthropogenic CO2 emissions, which cause ocean acidification, are the principal driver of the drop in foraminiferal calcite mass. The Mediterranean Sea’s pH has dropped by 0.08 units since the Industrial Revolution, reducing marine plankton’s ability to create calcium carbonate, potentially affecting marine ecosystems and the services they provide.

This study emphasizes the concerning effects of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions on the fragile balance of marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea. it highlights the far-reaching impacts of ocean acidification on the calcification of planktonic species, which play critical roles in the marine food web, biogeochemical cycles, and weather regulation. Calcifying plankton are essential components of marine ecosystem services, therefore the Mediterranean’s ongoing ocean acidification poses a severe danger to climate regulation, ocean functioning, and food security. This highlights the critical need for worldwide efforts to mitigate climate change by significantly reducing CO2 emissions in order to protect the health and resilience of marine ecosystems and their crucial services to the planet.

X, S. & National Geographic Pristine Seas. (2024, January 18). Team uncovers new marine source of carbon emissions into atmosphere. phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2024-01-team-uncovers-marine-source-carbon.html

Scientists, lead by Dr. Trisha Atwood of Utah State University and National Geographic Pristine Seas, have identified bottom trawling as a previously underestimated source of atmospheric carbon pollution. The study, undertaken by a global team of climate and ocean scientists, indicates that dragging heavy fishing nets across the ocean floor emits considerable amounts of CO2, with 55%-60% reaching the atmosphere within nine years. Bottom trawling is predicted to emit twice as much carbon as the entire world fishing fleet each year. The study focuses on specific places, such as the East China Sea, the Baltic and North Seas, and the Greenland Sea, where carbon emissions from bottom trawling are especially significant. The findings highlight the critical need to include bottom trawling in climate action strategies to reduce its influence on global warming.

The study’s findings highlight the need of including this human activity in global climate action strategies. The immediate benefits of lowering bottom trawling emissions are clear, as they not only contribute to global warming but also harm marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and cause localized ocean acidification. This article calls for immediate action to address bottom trawling, which aligns with the broader goals of environmental science by emphasizing the interconnectedness of human activities and their impact on the planet, as well as the need for policies that address the multifaceted environmental consequences of practices such as bottom trawling in order to ensure a sustainable future for both marine ecosystems and the global climate.

Pirchner, D., & Pirchner, D. (2023, December 8). Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda is warmer and more acidic than ever, 40 years of observation show – Frontiers | Science news. Frontiers Science News. https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2023/12/08/atlantic-ocean-bermuda-warmer-acidic-40-years

The Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) reveals that the North Atlantic Ocean around Bermuda has changed significantly during the last 40 years. Researchers from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences conducted the study, which found that the ocean has warmed by about 1°C, increased salinity at the surface, lost 6% of accessible oxygen for aquatic life, and become 30% more acidic since the 1980s. These changes are due to anthropogenic CO2 absorption from the atmosphere. The findings emphasize the importance of long-term data collecting, providing insights into the rate and character of oceanic changes, serving as crucial indicators for future shifts, and underlining the environmental difficulties that society will face in the near future.

This article is directly related to environmental science since it throws light on the tremendous changes taking place in the North Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the interconnected concerns of ocean warming, salinization, oxygen depletion, and acidification. The data gathered over four decades is an important tool for forecasting future changes and comprehending the complex relationships between environmental elements. In my opinion, this study emphasizes the importance of tackling climate change and its effects on ocean ecosystems. The observed changes in ocean conditions show the importance of collaborative efforts to reduce anthropogenic influences and conserve marine habitats, underlining the critical significance of long-term monitoring in creating informed environmental policies and practices.

What EPA is Doing to Address Ocean and Coastal Acidification | US EPA. (2023, August 12). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/ocean-acidification/what-epa-doing-address-ocean-and-coastal-acidification

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is combating ocean and coastal acidification by focusing on two major sources of pollution: carbon dioxide emissions and excess nutrients. The EPA works with a variety of federal and non-federal partners to monitor and combat acidification in ocean and coastal environments. This includes efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, manage acid rain-causing emissions, and combat nutrient pollution. Understanding the potential effects of acidification, monitoring changes in ocean chemistry and biological impacts, using computer modeling to predict carbon cycle changes and impacts on marine ecosystems, and assessing the social and economic consequences of acidification are all part of the EPA’s research. Laboratory experiments, coastal observing systems, autonomous monitoring sensors, computer models, and collaborative webinars and working groups are among the agency’s initiatives.

As it delves into the pressing issue of ocean and coastal acidification, this article is highly relevant to environmental science. The actions and research highlighted in the article by the EPA demonstrate a proactive approach to understanding and mitigating the effects of this phenomenon. Acidification of the oceans and coasts can have serious consequences for marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal communities that rely on them. The EPA’s emphasis on carbon dioxide emissions, nutrient pollution, and the potential effects on various marine organisms shows a comprehensive approach to addressing this complex environmental challenge. Personally, I think it’s encouraging that the EPA is actively collaborating with partners and employing advanced technologies like autonomous sensors and computer modeling to monitor and predict changes in ocean chemistry. The EPA’s efforts to comprehend the ecological and economic implications of acidification contribute to informed decision-making and potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. This emphasizes the significance of scientific research and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing environmental issues.

California Academy of Sciences. (2023, March 28). How to prepare for ocean acidification, a framework. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 10, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230328145428.htm

An international research team from various institutions, including the California Academy of Sciences, presents a novel framework for global governments to evaluate their readiness for ocean acidification—a significant threat to marine ecosystems—in a recent article published in Environmental Research Letters. The framework identifies six critical aspects of effective ocean acidification policy, including climate protection, public awareness, and research investment. The researchers assessed Australia’s preparedness for ocean acidification using this framework, revealing strengths in adaptive capacity strategies but weaknesses in policy coherence and climate protection measures. The article is written in a way to guide policy evaluation and collaboration, resulting in better environmental and societal protection worldwide.

This article is closely related to environmental science because it addresses the pressing issue of ocean acidification, which is a significant result of climate change and poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems. The study introduces a ground-breaking framework for assessing governments’ readiness to address ocean acidification and guiding future policies. The study emphasizes the interdependence of ocean acidification and other anthropogenic hazards, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive policies. In response to this article, I believe that the proposed framework provides a valuable tool for assessing and addressing the complex issue of ocean acidification. It aims to improve the protection of both marine environments and the societies that rely on them by identifying specific indicators and encouraging collaboration.

Ocean acidification, warming will slow sea scallop growth, study says. National Fisherman. (2023, March 23). https://www.nationalfisherman.com/mid-atlantic/ocean-acidification-warming-will-slow-sea-scallop-growth-study-says 

The article discusses a study that found that ocean acidification and warming will slow the growth of juvenile Atlantic sea scallops. The study, conducted by NOAA Fisheries and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, exposed the scallops to different levels of carbon dioxide and measured their growth and metabolism. The results showed that ocean acidification significantly reduced the scallops’ ability to take up energy. This is concerning for the valuable sea scallop fishery in the United States, which was worth $670 million in 2021. The study highlights the need to understand how marine resources and fisheries could be affected by ocean warming and acidification in the future.

The impact of ocean acidification and warming on a valuable fishery resource is discussed in this article, which is related to environmental science. Ocean acidification is caused by rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, and its effects on marine life can have serious economic and ecological consequences. The findings of the study highlight the importance of addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions in order to protect marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who rely on them. This article, in my opinion, emphasizes the critical need to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change on marine environments. The fact that ocean acidification is already affecting scallop growth and energy uptake is concerning, emphasizing the importance of taking proactive measures to address the underlying causes of these changes.

Brain, M. (2023, August 25). Overlooked doomsday risk: The gigantic risk from ocean acidification. WRAL TechWire. https://wraltechwire.com/2023/08/25/overlooked-doomsday-risk-the-gigantic-risk-from-ocean-acidification/ 

The article discusses ocean acidification and its devastating effects on marine life. Carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels have increased, resulting in higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is being absorbed by the oceans and producing carbonic acid. Acidification of the oceans makes it difficult for animals that form shells to build and repair their shells, resulting in a decline in shellfish populations and the destruction of coral reefs. Ocean acidification is also affecting plankton, which is essential to the ocean food chain, posing a global disaster for marine ecosystems.

This article is about environmental science since it covers the consequences of human actions on the health of the oceans and marine life, notably the use of fossil fuels. Increased carbon dioxide emissions are causing ocean acidification, which is contributing to shellfish population decreases, coral reef loss, and the probable collapse of the ocean food chain. The need of tackling carbon emissions and taking action to conserve marine habitats is emphasized in the article. In my perspective, this article emphasizes the vital necessity for worldwide efforts to cut carbon emissions and safeguard marine biodiversity. The impact of ocean acidification on marine life serves as a sharp reminder of the interconnectivity of ecosystems and the environmental repercussions of human activity. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and policies in mitigating climate change’s consequences on our planet’s oceans.