The document discusses ocean acidification, which occurs when excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed by seawater, leading to increased acidity. This process negatively impacts marine life, particularly calcifying organisms, coral reefs, and the overall marine food chain, while also affecting local economies reliant on marine resources. Solutions proposed include reducing fossil fuel usage, promoting eco-friendly alternatives, and implementing strict regulations to mitigate the effects of ocean acidification.

1. FS 215 Fishery
Oceanography
Ocean Acidification &its Impacts
J. Bovas Joel
Dr. M. G. R Fisheries College and Research Institute
Thalanaiyeru, Tamilnadu

3. Introduction
• The process in which
seawater becomes more
acidic because of the
excess carbon dioxide
(CO2) it is absorbing from
the atmosphere.
• Direct consequence of the
burning of fossil fuels and
the resulting carbon
pollution.

5. CO2 Absorption by ocean

6. Causes
 The burning of fossil fuels
The industrial revolution led to an increase in
pollution
Increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions
due to the chemical reaction.
Lack of eco-friendly laws and regulations
A decrease in carbonate ions

7. Process
1. CO2 absorption by seawater triggers
chemical reactions.
2. CO2 dissolves and forms carbonic acid
(H2CO3).
3. Carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen
ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).
4. Increased H+ concentration leads to more
acidic seawater.
5. Carbonate ions become less abundant due
to increased acidity.

8. Ocean Carbon Uptake

9. Impacts
Decreased carbonate ions hinder calcifying organisms from
building and maintaining shells and skeletons.
Acidic waters impair predator detection and habitat location for
some fish, while algae and seagrasses may benefit from
higher CO2 levels.
Reduced photosynthesis in phytoplankton, the foundation of
marine ecosystems, disrupts the entire marine food chain.
Increased ocean acidity can lead to the disappearance or
death of various aquatic organisms.

10. Impacts in Fish life

12. Contributors to Ocean Acidification

13. Severely Affected Organisms

14. Effects
Decreases the amount of carbonate, directly impacting the lives of various
organisms in the ocean.
Coral reefs are degrading.
 Shell fishes cannot easily build their shells.
Impacts the ocean deposits
Loss of marine plants.
Loss of marine biodiversity
Disturbance in the food chain
The local economy is decreased due to the lack of fish and other marine
products.
A decline in tourism.

15. Disrupts Marine life

18. Solutions
Reducing the use of fossil fuels
Increasing the use of eco-friendly fuels
Use of technology for reducing pollution
Making strict regulations
Spreading awareness in Promotion of environmentally friendly
initiatives
Using Geo-engineering to control the pH value

19. Sustainable Development Goals (Goal
14.3)

20. Thank You