University of Edinburgh. “Ocean Acidification Puts Deep-Sea Coral Reefs at Risk of Collapse.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 17 Sept. 2020, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200917105321.htm.
The ocean surrounding Southern California has been measured as the most acidic pH level ever recorded on living coral reefs. Scientists have begun to observe these living reefs, along with the skeletons of the dead coral, to see how the acidification is affecting the ocean and it’s ecosystems. The acidification is greatly impacting the growth of the coral reefs. They are also beginning to crumble and shrink rapidly. Deep-sea coral reefs are in the most danger because they are the reefs that are most affected by acidification. The deep-sea coral reefs located in Southern California are serving as a window into the future because they are what most of our reefs could possibly look like at the end of this century.
Once again, I am disheartened to learn about what is happening to our reefs. I think that ocean acidification and its effects should be taken more seriously by the population. As I mentioned before, the reefs located in Southern California serve as a way to look into the future, meaning that we already know what to expect. This should be motivating people to take action and help our reefs, but it sadly isn’t working. I am hopeful that researchers will continue to observe our reefs and make more discoveries that can help their overall health.