New Jersey Ocean Acidification Charge Question

Abstract

The increasing use of fossil fuels since the start of the Industrial Revolution has increased the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, some of which dissolves in the oceans. Carbon dioxide dissolved in the ocean forms carbonic acid, which releases H+ ions causing the water to become more acidic. Ocean acidification (OA) is occurring very rapidly. Adverse effects on shell formation are seen in calcifying animals such as corals and shellfish. Harmful effects are also seen in the development and behavior of many species unrelated to effects on shell formation. Since effects on developing oysters have already been seen on the West Coast, commercial shellfisheries in New Jersey and all along the eastern seaboard are at risk. While the long term solution is reducing global emissions of CO2, other localized approaches may be possible when we include coastal and estuarine waters within the scope of OA Since excess nitrogen and phosphorus in coastal waters and estuaries (eutrophication) also contributes to elevated CO2 levels and acidification, (as well as reduced oxygen) in deeper waters as algal blooms undergo decay, it is possible to mitigate local coastal acidification by reducing effluents and runoff of nutrients from land-based sources.