Effects of Ocean Acidification on Shell-Forming Marine Organisms

The Guatemala Times reports on a study conducted by Chilean scientists that addresses the effects of ocean acidification on mollusks. The scientists conclude that the increasing levels of carbonic acid brought on by increased levels of CO2 being absorbed by the ocean  are depleting the amount of calcium carbonate available for mollusks and other marine life to use to develop exoskeletons and shells. Their findings paint a disturbing picture of the future of shelled marine life if the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are not regulated by governments more stringently. 
Photo courtesy of berkley.edu Aside from the effects on shell production, research conducted by Australian scientists helps to validate the Chilean scientists’ other claim that ocean acidification is affecting the physiology of all sorts of marine organisms, saying that high levels of dissolved CO2 “disrupt some coral fishes’ central nervous systems, altering their sense of smell, hearing, vision and behavior.” The Chilean scientists are striving to have their findings published in scientific journals, but have been thwarted by the rigorous peer-review that is hindering their voice. Patricio Manríquez of the Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology at Austral University in Valdivia, Chile says that “Our methods and expertise are often questioned.” Whether or not Manríquez’s research is taken into consideration by the global scientific community remains yet to be seen.  Read more here!