why is ocean acidification a problem

Ocean acidification is a problem because it fundamentally disrupts the chemical balance of ocean and coastal waters by making seawater more acidic due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This increased acidity harms marine life, especially shell-forming creatures like oysters, clams, lobsters, shrimp, corals, and tiny snails called pteropods. Acidification weakens their shells and skeletons, making survival and growth difficult, which threatens biodiversity and disrupts marine ecosystems. Moreover, ocean acidification affects the entire marine food web and the services oceans provide, including seafood supply, coral reef habitats, and the ocean's capacity to store pollutants and carbon emissions. It can also lead to increased harmful algal blooms, which pose risks to human health through contaminated seafood. The economic impact is significant, especially for industries like fisheries and aquaculture that people depend on for livelihoods and food security. Finally, ocean acidification exacerbates vulnerabilities in marine ecosystems already stressed by warming, pollution, and overfishing, creating a complex environmental challenge.