ocean acidification

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Ocean Acidification 2

Doney, S. (2023, June 1). Ocean solutions to a more sustainable world. The White House. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2023/06/01/ocean-solutions-to-a-more-sustainable-world/

During this year’s Nation Ocean Month, the US is reaffirming the importance of the ocean. Therefore a new U.S Ocean Climate Action Plan is being released to protect ocean health and address the climate crisis, the plan also involves engaging tribal nations to help build off Indigenous knowledge. One of the main goals is to reduce greenhouse gases that are responsible for ocean acidification. In a further attempt to counteract this a U.S Ocean Acidification Action Plan is also being implemented. 

Scott Doney explains the steps the U.S. is taking to combat Ocean acidification and sea level rise, the article provides a reassuring future for the ocean if the various plans mentioned turn out to be effective. The article relates heavily to environmental science since it talks about the climatic changes in the Ocean. A part of the article that intrigued me was the implementation of Indigenous knowledge to find better ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It seems like a different approach than a government may usually take to combat a modern problem such as climate change. Seeing the different approaches the U.S. is taking gives hope that these issues can be solved.

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Acid Rain & Ocean Acidification

Flesher, J. (2023, January 6). Scientists: Atmospheric carbon might turn lakes more acidic. GreatLakesNow. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/01/ap-atmospheric-carbon-lakes-more-acidic/

Lakes around the US, specifically the great lakes in Michigan, have been suffering from increased acidity due to increased atmospheric build-up of carbon. Scientists are building a sensor network to track water chemistry trends to counter this. Errera a research ecologist with NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in 

Ann Arbor, Michigan claims that the chemical change has an unknown effect on the location and spawn of the fish. Acidification could also deteriorate shipwrecks resting on the bottom. Despite nations theoretically doing their best to cut down their emissions, big lakes will most likely still acidify. Studies have shown examples of acidification harming development in fish, but the size of the issue is still unknown. 

This article offers an overview of the challenges and impact that ocean or lake acidification can have on fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. Ocean acidification is an overlooked side effect of climate change, despite it being a potentially huge issue around the world. The article made me think about how ocean acidification could impact the overall health of fish and perhaps even make them dangerous to consume. Furthermore, it made me confused as to why this issue isn’t more known in today’s society.

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What EPA is Doing to Address Ocean and Coastal Acidification

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.

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How to prepare for ocean acidification, a framework.

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.

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Ocean acidification, warming will slow sea scallop growth, study says.

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.

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Overlooked doomsday risk: The gigantic risk from ocean acidification.

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.

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The threat of ocean acidification

The threat of ocean acidification. (2023, February 2). The Threat of Ocean Acidification. https://www.economist.com/films/2023/02/02/the-threat-of-ocean-acidification

 

The ocean’s rapid acidification, which is expected to reach 150% higher acidity by the end of the century, is threatening marine ecosystems and livelihoods. This video goes into the devastating effects of ocean acidification, featuring the perspectives of scientists and a Native Alaskan community. Along with human communities, baby oysters, deep-sea coral reefs, and vital marine species like pteropods are under threat. Overall it investigates potential solutions to the crisis. 

This article emphasizes the critical importance of ocean acidification and its alarming consequences for environmental science. The rapid acidification of the ocean, which is expected to increase by 150% by the end of the century, poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems. The consequences range from the death of marine life, such as baby oysters and deep-sea coral reefs, to the extinction of pteropods, which are essential components of the marine food chain. Concerning are the potential disruptions to human livelihoods. This situation, in my opinion, emphasizes the urgent need for global attention and action. The YouTube video contributes to the spread of critical knowledge about ocean acidification and its consequences, while also emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to address this issue.

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two thirds of reef sharks and rays risk extinction (Adopt- a- topic: coral reefs)

  • Nearly two thirds of the sharks and rays that live among the world’s corals are threatened with extinction, according to new research published Tuesday, with a warning this could further imperil precious reefs.Coral reefs, which harbor at least a quarter of all marine animals and plants, are gravely menaced by an array of human threats, including overfishing, pollution and climate change. The authors found 59 percent of coral reef shark and ray species are threatened with extinction, an extinction risk almost double that of sharks and rays in general. Last year countries at a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species summit approved a plan to protect dozens of shark and ray species, adding 21 coral reef species in addition to the 18 species already covered by the regulations. “We know coral reef health is declining, largely due to climate change, however, coral reef sharks and rays can help keep reefs healthier for longer,” said Sherman. 

 

  • Not only will millions of people that rely on coral reefs suffer, if food chains/webs collapse it will have a terrible effect on the entire world. We get 50% of our oxygen from the ocean due to photosynthesising organisms and the ocean regulates our climates, if food chains start collapsing it could affect everything that we benefit from the ocean.
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Environmental Protection (Adopt- a- topic: coral reefs)

  • Caribbean Coral Reef Partnership The Caribbean Coral Reef Partnership (CCRP) is an interagency effort to protect coral reefs off the shores of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project (CREMP) The Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project (CREMP)was established in 1995 as part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP).The Coral Reef Working Group is comprised of state and federal agencies involved in coral reef management and strives to identify and address key threats to coral reefs.West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative The State of Hawaii’s Coral Reef Strategy identified the coral reef ecosystem along the West Maui region as a priority management area.Clean Water Act Funding EPA awards annual Clean Water Act Section 319 funding to address nonpoint source water pollution to Hawai‘i Department of Health for projects to protect watersheds and coral reef health.  

 

  • There have been many attempts to protect coral reefs; they are still being affected by climate change. Even though the ocean temperature has only risen 1.3 degrees it is dramatically affecting the coral reefs. Pollution is also affecting reefs making the corals weaker. 
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Can hybrid reefs defend the coasts? (Adopt- a- topic: coral reefs)

  • The researchers are developing what they call “hybrid reefs,” which combine concrete structures with living coral reefs and oyster beds to break up damaging waves. Reefs break up damaging waves Coral and oyster reefs protect coastlines against flooding and erosion by breaking up big waves. A well-placed reef can absorb as much as 97% of a wave’s energy, according to one 2014 meta-analysis published in Nature Communications that combined data from 27 previous research papers on reefs and wave energy. The base of these hybrid reefs will be made up of concrete structures designed to mimic the wave-breaking ability of natural reefs. The military is also investing in speeding up the growth of corals and oysters and making sure they stay healthy, so that the hybrid reefs can expand. Hybrid reef pilots are coming to Keys, Miami Beach The hybrid reefs showed promise during early lab tests in UM’s massive wind and wave tank on Virginia Key, which holds 38,000 gallons of water and can simulate Category 5 hurricane conditions.The hybrid reef cut wave energy between 11% and 98%, depending on the reef design. The team will have developed a technique for building hybrid reefs that can knock down 90% of wave energy at a cost of less than $300 per cubic meter of reef. If they succeed, they’ll have created a blueprint that city and state governments and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could install miles of artificial reefs to protect coastlines in areas where coral and oyster reefs naturally grow. 

 

  • Although it would be Ideal that we have our natural reefs, this is a really good idea if reefs are too damaged to be revived in an appropriate amount of time. If the configurations can cut wave energy by 90% that can be incredibly helpful for natural disasters and wave breaking. Now that it’s affordable enough for countries to install reefs can get restored faster and oceans may have a better chance of surviving.