Ocean Acidification and Marine Animal Welfare

The increasing acidification of the oceans due to CO2 absorption is disrupting marine animal physiology, behaviour, and welfare on a vast scale.

Key Facts

Ocean pH has decreased by 0.1 units since the industrial revolution, representing a 26% increase in acidity
Shellfish and coral are most immediately affected as acidic water dissolves calcium carbonate
Fish show altered olfactory and behavioural responses under acidified conditions
Reef ecosystems supporting millions of species are deteriorating globally
The Southern Ocean and Arctic are acidifying fastest due to cold water absorbing more CO2

Welfare Considerations

Ocean acidification affects marine animal welfare through multiple pathways. Shellfish with dissolving shells experience physical vulnerability and increased predation risk. Fish in acidified water show impaired ability to detect predators and find appropriate habitats. Coral bleaching destroys habitat for thousands of species that depend on reef ecosystems for food and shelter. The welfare implications of ocean acidification are enormous in scale though diffuse at the individual level.

What You Can Do

Reduce your carbon footprint to slow ocean acidification
Support climate policy organisations campaigning for emission reductions
Advocate for marine protected areas that give ecosystems the best chance of resilience
Follow Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre research
Support restoration of seagrass, mangrove, and kelp ecosystems that buffer local acidification