FAIRBANKS — A University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher has confirmed
what scientists have suspected for years — the state’s seas are becoming
acidic at a faster rate than more temperate waters.
The growing level of acidity could be a big problem for Alaska sea life,
since shellfish — and the animals that eat them — might be damaged by the
changing environment.
“Ocean acidification is a today problem, not a 100 years from now
problem,” said Jeremy Mathis, a UAF chemical oceanographer. “We’re at the
tip of the spear, I think.”
Mathis has collected thousands of samples from Alaska waters in the past
few years, mainly at depths of 250 meters or less. Upon returning to the
lab, tests determined the water was more acidic than previously thought.
The tests also confirmed that acidification is happening faster here than
in tropical waters.
Alaska continental shelf seas have several characteristics that make them
prone to acidification, Mathis said.
The wide, shallow shelves and cold water can hold more carbon dioxide
than deeper, warmer areas. Also, the high levels of biological life in
Alaska waters consume oxygen and emit carbon dioxide, creating what
scientists call a “biological pump.”
But Mathis said the primary factor in ocean acidification is a global
problem — the growing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from
fossil fuel consumption. He said the past 60 years have shown a “fishhook
curve” in ocean acidity, mirroring the levels of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere.
The acidity of the ocean is increasing at 0.002 pH per year, said Dick
Feely, a senior scientist with the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental
Laboratory.
It’s a small number that could have a big effect across a long period —
at this rate the ocean will be 150 percent more acidic by 2100.
Within decades, Feely said, organisms like oysters and crabs will
struggle to form shells, or might have their existing shells broken down.
The consequences would be seen throughout the food chain, Feely said,
extending to salmon and marine mammals.
“Those are dramatic changes,” he said. “They’re not subtle changes at
all.”
Mathis said it’s important to continue tracking Alaska seas to keep
abreast of changes. He has discussed the issue with staff members from
Alaska Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich in the past month.
Mathis said it will become increasingly important for policy makers and
industry managers to pay attention to the issue, since the viability of
Alaska’s fisheries will depend upon it.
“Ecosystems in Alaska are going to take a hit from ocean acidification,”
he said. “Right now, we don’t know how they are going to respond.”
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