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R40143 - Ocean Acidification
2-Jul-2009; Eugene H. Buck, Peter Folger; 14 p.
Abstract: With increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, the extent of effects
on the ocean and marine resources is an increasing concern. One aspect of this issue is the
ongoing process whereby seawater becomes acidified (i.e., ocean acidification) as more CO2
dissolves in it, causing hydrogen ion concentration in seawater to increase. Scientists are
concerned that increasing hydrogen ion concentration could reduce growth or even cause death of
shell-forming animals (e.g., corals, molluscs, and certain planktonic organisms) as well as disrupt
marine food webs and the reproductive physiology of certain species. While not yet fully
understood, the ecological and economic consequences of ocean acidification could be
substantial.
Scientists are concerned that increasing acidification could alter biogeochemical cycles, disrupt
physiological processes of marine organisms, and damage marine ecosystems. This report does
not discuss the effects of increasing thermal stress to marine organisms and ecosystems (e.g.,
coral bleaching) related to climate change. However, marine ecosystems are likely to be affected
by the synergistic effects of factors involved in both thermal and acidification processes. Congress is beginning to focus attention on better understanding ocean acidification and
determining how this concern might be addressed. In the 111th Congress, the Federal Ocean
Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 (Title XII, Subtitle D, of P.L. 111-11)
directed the Secretary of Commerce to establish an ocean acidification program within NOAA,
established an interagency committee to develop an ocean acidification research and monitoring
plan, and authorized appropriations through FY2012 for NOAA and the National Science
Foundation. [read report]
Topics: Water, Climate Change
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