Researchers Clarified How Increased Ocean Acidity Affects Coral Reefs

• Research revealed that ocean acidity is linked to coral reefs.
• It is predicted that by 2300, ocean pH levels could drop to 7.3.
• Many species of coral are already under threat due to increased ocean acidity.

Research conducted by scientists from Germany indicated that increased ocean acidity could negatively impact coral reefs, which are crucial for their survival. As is known, corals have several rows of polyps that quickly regenerate, but increased acidity may lead to the degradation of coral reefs, threatening their ability to effectively reproduce.

Researchers from the Institute of Zoology and Organismic Interactions at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf conducted an experiment, in which 60 coral polyps of black coral were placed in artificial reservoirs with varying pH levels. After eight weeks in water with a pH of 7.3, the corals showed significant degradation, including root erosion and changes in structure.

These results indicate that even natural mechanisms of coral regeneration could be affected by increased acidity. Moreover, coral already faces another problem—insufficient recruitment due to overfishing.

Researchers predict that by 2300, the average pH level of oceans could decrease from 8.1 to 7.3, making the water nearly ten times more acidic. This could have serious consequences not only for corals but also for other marine organisms, such as mollusks and corals.

Other studies have shown that increased acidity also affects juvenile fish, reducing their ability to detect predators. If coral reefs cannot perform their functions due to degradation, this could threaten their recruitment.

Professor Sebastian Fraun, one of the authors of the study, emphasized the importance of maintaining ocean pH levels close to the natural average for the physical viability of coral reefs. Many species of coral are already facing threats from overfishing and habitat loss.

Tags: Ecology/Research