In the late 1700s, the oceans had equilibrated to be slightly alkaline, with a pH of about 8.1roughly the same level of acidity as an egg white. Studies that provide advance knowledge of potential climate-driven trends in coral growth and health will permit improved modeling for prediction so that resource managers can act to protect key species and ecosystems. Oceans acidify in the blink of a geologic eye. These seawater systems include both flow-through and large mesocosm-based designs. The program is currently developing two research facilities, one in Sarasota and one at the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration on Summerland Key in the Florida Keys for studies of how corals and other reef species will react to changes in pH as well as climate change (ocean temperature). The Ocean Acidification Program at Mote was created to research and understand responses of ecologically important species - like corals - to projected levels of ocean acidification. Ocean surface pH has declined from 8.2 to below 8.1 over the industrial era as a result of the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Ocean acidification is expected to impact organisms that depend upon calcium carbonate to build skeletons and shells, such as corals, some species of phytoplankton, and bivalves. We need to reduce carbon pollution by burning fewer fossil fuels and using more renewable energy. Studies have shown that ocean water is more acidic now than in pre-industrial times and is predicted to approach levels not seen in millions of years. Actually, we can tackle ocean acidification on multiple fronts. The term ocean acidification is used to describe the ongoing decrease in ocean pH caused by human CO2 emissions, such as the burning of fossil fuels.
Worldwide, oceans absorb about one-third of all the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which can lead to a reduction in pH and dramatic shifts in seawater carbonate chemistry.
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