The world’s oceans are in a more serious condition than they were believed, warns scientists, who say a key measurement shows that “We run out of time” to protect marine ecosystems.
The acidity of the oceans is at a worrying level photo pexels
The acidification of the oceans, often called “The evil twin” of the climatic crisis, it is caused when carbon dioxide is rapidly absorbed by the ocean, where it reacts with water molecules, which leads to decreased pH levels of marine water.
This process affects coral reefs and other ocean habitats and, in extreme cases, can dissolve the shells of marine creatures, reports The Guardian.
So far, the acidification of the oceans had not been considered as exceeding the “planetary limit”. The planetary limits are the natural borders of the main global systems – such as climate, water and biological diversity – beyond which their ability to maintain a healthy planet is in danger. Six of the nine limits had already been exceeded, according to researchers last year.
What does the new study look like
However, a new study conducted by the Marin Laboratory in Plymouth (PML) in the UK, the US National Ocean and Atmospher “limit” Oceanic acidification was reached about five years ago.
“The acidification of the oceans is not just an environmentsaid Professor Steve Widdicombe from PML, who is also co -president of the global network observation network.
The study based on new and historical physico-chemical data extracted from ice carote, combined with advanced computer and research on marine life, giving scientists a general evaluation of the last 150 years.
It was found that, by 2020, the average conditions of the oceans around the world were already very close – and in some regions beyond – the planetary limit of the acidification of the oceans. This limit is defined as the moment when the concentration of calcium carbonate in the sea water is over 20% lower than the pre -industrial levels.
The deeper analyzed in the ocean, the more worrying the results, the researchers say. To a depth of 200 meters below the surface, 60% of the global waters had exceeded the limit “Safe” for acidification.
Underwater life is in danger
“Most of the ocean life does not live only on the surface”said Professor Helen Findlay from PML. “The waters from the depth host many other types of plants and animals. As these deep waters change so much, the impact of acidification of the oceans could be much worse than I thought.”
She has, she added, huge implications for important underwater ecosystems, such as tropical and even depth coral reefs, which offer essential habitats and growth areas for many species.
As the pH level decreases, calcifying species, such as corals, oysters, mussels and small molluscs as sea butterflies (Sea Butterflies), are facing difficulties in maintaining protective structures, which leads to more fragile shells, slow growth, reduced reproduction and lower rates.
CO2 reduction, the only solution
The study authors stressed that reducing CO2 emissions is the only solution to combat acidification globally, but conservation measures should focus on the most vulnerable regions and species.
Jessie Turner, director of the International Alliance to combat the acidification of the oceans, which was not involved in the study, said: “This report is clear: we run out of time, and what we do – or not – now determines our future.”
“We are facing an existential threat, while we hardly realize that many habitats suitable for key species have already been lost. It is clear that governments can no longer afford to ignore acidification in the main public policies.”she concluded.
