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.

This article reveals how dragging fishing nets across the ocean floor, aka bottom trawling, is a significant yet previously unaccounted contributor to atmospheric carbon emissions. Roughly 55-60% of carbon dioxide produced underwater because of bottom trawling enters the atmosphere within 9 years. The carbon released from this approximately doubles the annual emissions from fuel combustion of the entire global fishing fleet. Specifically, the East China Sea, the Baltic and North Seas, and the Greenland Sea all have especially high carbon emissions from bottom trawling. So, we need to start addressing bottom trawling when addressing climate change. This is all related to ocean acidification because 40-45% of the carbon that is dislodged from the ocean floor remains in the water. This carbon then contributes to ocean acidification in that specific area, which further damages marine life.

This is related to environmental science because although climate change is a huge part of the environmental science curriculum, and is related to lots of the jobs in the environmental science field, this issue seems to go widely overlooked and unnoticed. For something that contributes to localized ocean acidification and global carbon emissions, most people have probably never even considered that bottom trawling could be so harmful. So, it highlights something that has been overlooked for decades but will need to be addressed if we want a chance at stopping climate change. 

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 at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) recently published a study about the alarming changes in the North Atlantic Ocean over the past 40 years. There has been a 1°C increase in the surface temperature, an increase in salinity, a decrease in dissolved oxygen, a decline in pH, and over 30% ocean acidification. Since the 80s they have kept track of critical oceanic parameters, all of which have consistently been increasing. The study puts emphasis on the changing chemical environment in the ocean due to anthropogenic CO2 uptake; this can cause a lot of problems in the future. Overall, they show a very clear connection between ocean warming and the chemistry behind it all, as well as the potential future implications.

This is related to environmental science because it talks about the scientific changes in the North Atlantic Ocean over the last 40 years. It discusses important topics like surface warming, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and ocean acidification, all of which are topics that we’ve covered or used in experiments of our own. It discusses the human impact on the ocean’s chemical composition and the ecosystems within. Overall, learning how things within the ocean work together to create some of the changes we’ve been seeing due to climate change and human activity is one of the main focuses of environmental science which makes it very relevant. 

Dua, S. (2023, December 8). Over four decades, North Atlantic near Bermuda saw a 6% oxygen decline. North Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda lost 6% oxygen in 40 years. https://interestingengineering.com/science/north-atlantic-bermuda-oxygen-decline 

The topic of this article is a study by Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg out of the University of Queensland which warns about the mass coral bleaching that he believes will take place over the next 1-2 years. He claims that due to record-breaking marine heatwaves felt in 2023, it will lead to devastating coral bleaching which will then contribute to mass marine mortality. These ecosystems have been feeling extreme pressure for a very extended period, and the stress conditions these ecosystems are under are simply not sustainable. Roughly 25% of marine biodiversity relies on coral reefs, so this could be detrimental to marine ecosystems. He talks about how climate change mitigation is critical if we want to prevent the mass death of corals and save these ecosystems. 

This is related to environmental science because the study is looking at unprecedented ocean temperature data, sustained heat stress conditions that started earlier, and pressure on coral reefs globally. This amount of stress put on such a vital part of the marine environment has never before been seen. Without emphasizing saving the coral reefs very quickly, marine biodiversity will decrease incredibly fast, and many more marine species will become endangered very quickly. 

Ralls, E. (2023, December 8). Devastating coral bleaching is expected around the world within the next year. Earth.com. https://www.earth.com/news/devastating-coral-bleaching-is-expected-around-the-world-within-the-next-year/ 

This article discusses the University of Colorado Boulder’s research on the rising acidity level in the Arctic coastal waters. When compared to the 90s, they predicted that by the end of the century, acidity could increase by over 100%. This is a serious threat to the very diverse marine life that lives in the Southern Ocean. The study mainly focused on the upper 650 feet of the ocean; this area is extremely important for marine organisms, and without globally cutting emissions, the acidification will continue to escalate and affect even more ocean life. They warn that even protected marine areas could feel the consequences of climate change and acidification which will endanger many vital ecosystems.

This is related to environmental science because the effect of climate change on complex marine ecosystems is very relevant to the health of so many other ecosystems, and even us. It discusses not only the human impact primarily throughout the 21st century, but also the chain reaction between one animal or organism being affected by the rising acidity, and the other animals in that ecosystem that are also vulnerable. It also stresses the importance of reducing CO2 emissions and addressing climate change, which is a subject that is very important when discussing environmental science.

Ralls, E. (2024, January 14). Antarctic water acidity levels will soon double, greatly harming marine life. Earth.com. https://www.earth.com/news/acidity-levels-of-antarctic-waters-will-soon-double-harming-life/ 

Gromal , H. (2023, October 17). Ocean acidification indicators for the global surface ocean. CISESS. https://cisess.umd.edu/ocean-acidification-indicators-for-the-global-surface-ocean/ 

The article highlights a groundbreaking study on ocean acidification (OA) indicators in the global surface ocean, spanning from 1750 to 2100. Using a “model-data fusion product” based on Earth System Models and observational data, the study explores ten OA indicators, offering climatologies and atlases as a baseline for future assessments. The research aids OA studies at regional and global scales, providing important information for mitigation and adaptation efforts in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and marine resources. The study contributes significantly to understanding OA’s evolution and guiding strategies for addressing its impact. 

This article reveals a breakthrough that not only contributes to the fight against ocean acidification but also contributes to Environmental science as a whole. I found it extremely interesting to learn about the various models and data types that are formed to express the issues with the ocean. Furthermore, the promising impact of these new indicators is enlightening to see. 

Denton, S. (2023, November 30). Climate explained: Ocean Acidification. Save the Sound. https://www.savethesound.org/2023/10/23/climate-explained-ocean-acidification/ 

The article discusses ocean acidification, a consequence of heightened carbon dioxide absorption by the ocean, leading to decreased water pH. Worsened by human activities, acidification poses threats to marine life, affecting species diversity and hindering shell and skeleton formation. Deoxygenation, linked to acidification, further amplifies environmental concerns. The Long Island Sound experiences accelerated acidification, emphasizing the need for both global and localized mitigation efforts. Solutions include emissions reduction, eelgrass restoration, and green infrastructure projects. The article underscores the urgency of addressing ocean acidification’s global and regional impacts on coastal ecosystems. 

As the article’s main focus is ocean acidification it discusses important parts of Environmental science. It also introduces an interesting aspect such as Deoxygenation which also contributes significantly to ocean acidification. I found this article slightly disruptive because it introduced a new issue that I was not previously familiar with. Although, it’s motivating to see the research that is going into solving these issues.