Ocean acidification

• Main Authors: Howard, WR, Nash, M, Anthony, K, Schmutter, K, Bostock, H, Bromhead, D, Byrne, M, Currie, K, Diaz-Pulido, G, Eggins, S, Ellwood, M, Eyre, B, Haese, R, Hallegraeff, G, Hill, K, Hurd, C, Law, C, Lenton, A, Matear, R, McNeil, B, McCulloch, M, Muller, MN, Munday, P, Opdyke, B, Pandolfi, JM, Richards, R, Roberts, D, Russell, BD, Smith, AM, Tilbrook, B, Waite, A, Williamson, J
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship 2012 2012
• Subjects: Earth Sciences; Oceanography; Biological Oceanography; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: http://www.oceanclimatechange.org.au/content/index.php/2012/report_card_extended/category/ocean_acidification; http://ecite.utas.edu.au/84613

Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is causing increased absorption of CO2 bythe worlds oceans, in turn driving a decline in seawater pH and changes in oceancarbonate chemistry that are collectively referred to as ocean acidification. Evidenceis accumulating to suggest ocean acidification may directly or indirectly affect manymarine organisms and ecosystems, some of which may also hold significant social andeconomic value to the Australian community. This report card aims to provide a brief overview of the current state of scientificknowledge regarding the process of ocean acidification; current and future projectedlevels of ocean acidification; and, observed and projected impacts of current andfuture predicted levels of ocean acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems inthe region. This Report Card also briefly discusses potential social and economicimplications, policy challenges, and the key knowledge gaps needing to be addressed.