The Water In The Pacific Ocean Is So Acidic It’s Dissolving Dungeness Crab Shells

The acidity of the Pacific Ocean is growing at a higher rate and it is a cause of concern for the Dungeness crab population. These crabs are extremely valuable found in the Pacific Northwest. Their shells are getting dissolved by the acidic water and there is a risk of damaging their delicate sensory organs.

These crabs are called cash-crabs, because they are crucial to commercial fisheries. But according to a recent study, they’re getting damaged due to the lower pH of their habitat. This injury to the Dungeness crab population adversely impacts the coastal economy. While this was being expected by the researchers, they didn’t anticipate this damage to happen so fast.

Lead author of the study, Nina Bednarsek said that we need to pay attention to all the links of the aquatic food chain. The Southern California Coastal Water Research Project’s scientist also said that if this is not done son, it may get too late.

This National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funded study was published in Science of the Total Environment journal. This agency studies how varying pH levels may affect the coasts and the acidification of oceans.

Process Of Ocean Acidification

The acidic water of oceans is primarily due to more atmospheric carbon dioxide absorption. It leads to a lower pH level. Ocean acidification leads to algal blooms because of the increased availability of nutrients, high temperature, and high salinity.

Crustaceans like Dungeness crab and corals need carbonate ions to build stronger shells. But it is not readily available in the acidic water. Even the clams, oysters, and planktons too rely on carbonate ions. And we humans and other living beings depend on these creatures for sustaining our life and economy.

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