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What are the effects of ocean acidification?

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Ocean acidification has several negative effects on marine life and ecosystems. These effects include:

  1. Impact on marine organisms: Ocean acidification can harm marine organisms such as corals, shellfish, and plankton by making it difficult for them to build and maintain their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons.

  2. Disruption of food chains: Changes in the pH levels of the ocean can disrupt the food chains in marine ecosystems, affecting the survival and reproduction of various species.

  3. Coral bleaching: Ocean acidification can contribute to coral bleaching, which occurs when corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white and become more vulnerable to disease and death.

  4. Impacts on fisheries: Ocean acidification can affect commercially important fish species by altering their behavior, growth rates, and survival, which can have economic implications for fisheries.

  5. Ecosystem shifts: Ocean acidification can lead to shifts in marine ecosystems, affecting the biodiversity and overall health of marine habitats.

Overall, ocean acidification poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems around the world.

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