Ocean Acidification

Why it matters

Rising ocean acidity reduces the availability of carbonate minerals which are used by thousands of marine species to form shells and skeletons. These “calcifying” organisms – such as corals, shellfish, and tiny marine snails known as pteropods – are important in marine ecosystems from the tropics to high latitudes and the deep sea.

When there is less carbonate available, it is increasingly difficult for these creatures to build their homes and sources of protection. Ocean acidification threatens species throughout the web who feed on these creatures – from salmon to whales.

A chemistry lesson

The ocean is one of the largest carbon dioxide (CO₂) sinks on the planet. It naturally absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere and can store it for thousands of years. However, since the Industrial Revolution the ocean been trying to keep up with the extra emissions from humans. Here’s the chemistry lesson:

When CO₂ is absorbed by the ocean it reacts with water (H₂O) to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃).  CO₂ + H₂O = H₂CO₃

Created an information campaign on ocean acidification

Our ocean acidification communications strategy enhances our work to push the Canadian government to develop effective climate policy. Living Oceans sounded the alarm about ocean acidification in Canada, an unknown subject to most people. In 2010 we set out to change that through an information campaign featuring print publications, e-newsletters and action alerts that aimed to increase political, media and public awareness of ocean acidification.   The first place we went with our message was to Ottawa.