Impacts of climate change, including acidification, on marine ecosystems and fisheries

Marine ecosystems have always been affected by changes in climate at timescales from decades to millions of years. Since the industrial revolution in the nineteenth century the increase in greenhouse gases (GHG) has caused an accelerating rise in global temperature whose effects on marine biota can be detected at individual, population and ecosystem level. The rising level of CO₂ and consequent acidification of the oceans is having an impact on metabolism and calcification in many organisms, with damage to vulnerable ecosystems, such as coral reefs, already occurring. The pH of the oceans is already lower now than it has been for the past 600,000 years.

Ocean acidification art challenge

Funded by Eye On The World Natural Images, Ocean Ark Alliance is hosting Australia’s largest environmental art show at the Melbourne Aquarium on 22 October 2012. This has been created to stimulate a deeper understanding of ocean acidification.

Specific topics include the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs, southern seas, polar seas, marine life, coastal communities & economic wealth.

Open to all Year 9 -12 students, this Victoria-based pilot is the start of what the Ocean Ark Alliance hopes will become a national and international initiative