Current Events > The Pacific Ocean is so acidic that it's dissolving Dungeness crabs' shells

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The Pacific Ocean is becoming more acidic, and the cash-crabs that live in its coastal waters are some of its first inhabitants to feel its effects.

The Dungeness crab is vital to commercial fisheries in the Pacific Northwest, but lower pH levels in its habitat are dissolving parts of its shell and damaging its sensory organs, a new study found.

Their injuries could impact coastal economies and forebode the obstacles in a changing sea. And while the results aren't unexpected, the study's authors said the damage to the crabs is premature: The acidity wasn't predicted to damage the crabs this quickly.

"If the crabs are affected already, we really need to make sure we pay much more attention to various components of the food chain before it is too late," said study lead author Nina Bednarsek, a senior scientist with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project.

The findings were published this month in the journal Science of the Total Environment and funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency studies ocean acidification and how changing pH levels are impacting coasts.

The ocean is acidifying because it's absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which lowers pH levels in the water.

Tiny shell fossils reveal how ocean acidification can cause mass extinction
Ocean acidification changes the coasts, releasing excess nutrient that can create algae blooms and increasing sea temperatures and salinity, according to NOAA.

But for crustaceans and coral that rely on carbonate ions, which are less abundant in more acidic waters, to build their shells and coral skeletons, it becomes more difficult to build strong shells.

It's not just crabs, either: Oysters, clams and plankton all rely on the same carbonate ions to strengthen themselves. And humans and sea creatures alike rely on them -- some for food, others for economic security.

You can read the rest of the article here: https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/27/us/pacific-ocean-acidification-crabs-dissolving-shells-scn-trnd/index.html

We have already begun the mass extinction event. I dont believe we can stop it anymore

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Ehhhh, just pour some sodium bicarbonate on it to neutralize it.

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solosnake posted...

We have already begun the mass extinction event. I dont believe we can stop it anymore

Not that the top 1% ever would.

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Solar_Crimson posted...

Not that the top 1% ever would.

How can they? They have been living their entire lives being told how great they are for raping the world. They believe they are justified by survival of the fittest

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