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.” ____________________________________________________________ Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTI97wm2M8L6cD0z1F7cnizpk8pHpFg6J5fjlHybujnr4t7ngAi0Uo/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp