Ocean Acidification Issues

Introduction Over the last decade, there has been an increased focus on the impact of human activities on the planet and studying the potential impacts of ocean acidification (OA). Ocean acidification describes a change in the carbon chemistry of the ocean which has been a steadily emerging global environmental health concern. Oceans cover nearly 70 percent of the planet’s surface and play a crucial role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide through physical, chemical, and biological processes (Orr, Fabry, Aumont, Bopp, Doney, Feely, ... & Key, 2005). As a result of anthropogenic emissions from using fossil fuels, cement manufacturing, changes in land use and other human activities, carbon dioxide levels have built up in the atmosphere
Computer model projections for OA demonstrate that even with optimistic scenarios, an additional reduction in pH of 0.2-0.3 is predicted by the end of the century (Caldeira & Wickett, 2005). Although the chemical processes of OA are largely understood by scientists, a considerable research gap exists with regards to the biological and socio-economic consequences of these climate and oceanic changes (Brandner, Narita, Rehdanz, & Tol, 2014). The urgency of addressing this environmental health issue increased significantly following scientist’s discovery of regions identified as “ocean acidification hotspots” where changes in pH are now occurring at an accelerated rate (NOAA PMEL Carbon Group, n.d.). Mathis, Cooley, Lucey, Colt, Ekstrom, Hurst, ... & Feely, 2014), investigated the potential effects of OA on Alaska fisheries and coastal communities by analyzing ocean model hindcasts, ocean chemistry projections, fisheries harvest data, and demographic information (Mathis et al., 2014). Mathis et al., reported the possible consequences of OA are alarming and could adversely impact fish and shellfish species that are a vital food source, an integral component of Alaska’s economy, and a fundamental aspect of Alaska Native culture