I have a research topic for the next seven weeks! It's--you guessed it--ocean acidification. Here's what I've learned so far:
In the past 200 years, the ocean acidity has increased by 30%
Higher acidity waters (lower pH value) can dissolve shell structures like coral and oyster shells because there are fewer carbonate ions available for shell creatures to maintain and strengthen their shells
Farming seaweed can improve water quality!!!!
Researchers estimate that by the end of the century, pH levels may be around 7.8. The last time it was this low was during the Middle Miocene era, right before a major extinction event
The ocean has been absorbing 30% of carbon dioxide emissions -- which scientists originally thought was good, before they realized the negative impact it's actually making
The Australian Institute of Marine Science is doing research on topics including ocean acidification using a state of the art facility called SeaSim
The oyster industry in the Pacific Northwest has lost over $110 million as of 2015.
1 in 4 aquatic organisms relies on coral reef (Source)
Sources: NOAA, Ocean Smithsonian, Smithsonian Ocean Seagrass Beds, EPA
Other Notes: