How Climate Change is Affecting Marine Life

The ocean is a major part of the Earth's life-support system, providing food, regulating climate and supporting biodiversity. Climate change is having a major impact on marine life, with rising temperatures and ocean acidification. This article will look at how climate change is affecting marine life, the consequences of these changes, and what can be done to mitigate the damage.

Rising Temperatures

The most obvious effect of climate change on marine life is the rise in ocean temperatures. Warmer waters cause coral bleaching, as the coral is unable to survive in the higher temperatures. This means that coral reefs, which are home to a wide range of marine species, are at risk of destruction. Warmer waters also lead to the spread of invasive species, as new species are better able to survive in the warmer conditions.

Ocean Acidification

Another consequence of climate change is ocean acidification. This is caused by the increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is absorbed by the ocean and reacts with the water to form carbonic acid. This leads to a decrease in the pH levels of the ocean, making it more acidic. This can have a significant effect on the ability of marine organisms to form shells and other calcium-based structures, and can also affect the growth, development and reproduction of many species.

Effects on Fisheries

Climate change can also have a major impact on fisheries, as fish stocks are affected by changes in water temperature. Fish are adapted to certain temperatures, and so any shift in these can have a major effect on their populations. Warmer waters can also lead to a decrease in the number of plankton, which are the primary food source for many fish species. This can lead to a decrease in the number of fish available for commercial fishing, leading to a decrease in yields.

What Can Be Done?

The effects of climate change on marine life can be mitigated by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is the primary cause of climate change. There are also a number of measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of ocean acidification, such as restoring coastal wetlands and seagrass beds, which can help to absorb and store carbon dioxide. Additionally, fisheries can be managed in a way that takes climate change into account, for example by increasing the size of no-catch zones to protect fish populations.

Conclusion

Climate change is having a major impact on marine life, with rising temperatures and ocean acidification leading to changes in the environment. These changes can have a significant effect on coral reefs and fisheries, and can lead to the extinction of some species. It is therefore important that steps are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to protect and manage marine ecosystems in a way that takes climate change into account.